Bill Text: HI HB1403 | 2022 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To An Alternate Route Site Selection Survey In Puna.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2022-03-21 - Report adopted; Passed Second Reading and referred to WAM. [HB1403 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2022-HB1403-Amended.html
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1403 |
|
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO AN ALTERNATE ROUTE SITE SELECTION SURVEY IN PUNA.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Puna is one of the fastest growing areas in the State. It's anticipated that by 2035, the Puna district will grow by approximately forty-two thousand eighty residents, nearly double the current population in the district and representative of nearly forty per cent of the total population change by 2035. In comparison, the populations in the north and south Hilo districts are expected to increase by ten per cent or less by 2035.
The legislature further finds that the Kau and Puna districts have the highest percentage of the population considered low-income and living below the poverty line. This subset of the population typically relies on transit and nonmotorized modes of transportation more than any other income level.
Hilo is the primary employment center in the region, with over forty per cent of jobs located within this area. As a result, average traffic volumes near Hilo on Keeau-Pahoa Road (Highway 130) peak at approximately twenty thousand two hundred vehicles per day in each direction. Highway 130 provides the sole access between Hawaii Belt road and communities on the eastern tip of the island, such as Puna, Pahoa, and Kalapana. Trips from Hilo to the southernmost portion of Puna would take up to two hours as estimated by the travel demand forecasting model.
The legislature also finds that Highway 130 is the primary arterial and only access route into the southeastern portion of the Puna area. The legislature further finds that because of this limited road access, the residents of Puna experience severe traffic congestion, which impacts the quality of life for Puna residents and may also result in fatal delays of emergency services.
The purpose of this Act is to require the department of transportation, in collaboration with the county of Hawaii, to conduct site surveys on the island of Hawaii to identify the most suitable location for an alternate route in Puna below Highway 130.
SECTION 2. (a) The department of transportation, in collaboration with the county of Hawaii, shall conduct site surveys on the island of Hawaii to identify the most suitable location for an alternate route in Puna below Highway 130.
(b) Any lands on the island of Hawaii owned by the State, excluding lands under the jurisdiction of the department of Hawaiian home lands, or county of Hawaii may be considered in determining where to conduct site surveys. Lands owned by private parties may be considered and site surveys may be conducted pursuant to agreements with landowners.
(c) The department of transportation, in collaboration with the county of Hawaii, shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2023. The report shall include:
(1) A list of lands determined to be the most suitable location for an alternate route in Puna below Highway 130, including information regarding ownership of each parcel of land;
(2) A discussion of any accessibility issues regarding the lands;
(3) Any proposed legislation; and
(4) Any other matters that the department and county believe are relevant for consideration.
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the purposes of this Act.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
Puna; Alternate Route Site Selection Survey; Department of Transportation; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the department of transportation, in collaboration with the county of Hawaii, to conduct site surveys on the island of Hawaii to identify the most suitable location for an alternate route in Puna below Highway 130. Excludes lands under the jurisdiction of the department of Hawaiian home lands from site surveys. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2050. (HD1)
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
