Transportation

In order to both improve roadway safety and ease traffic congestion, the Lingle-Aiona Administration introduced six measures for the 2009 Legislative Session.  The measures are aimed at improving road conditions for Hawai`i drivers by bettering infrastructure to reduce commute times, while also making commutes safer by regulating driving behavior on Hawai`i’s roads.

To that effect, in addition to the PM Contraflow Project and the H-1 Middle Street widening, the Administration is proposing a $4 billion-dollar, six-year Highway Modernization Plan that would provide adequate funding to implement critical highway projects and programs aimed at reducing traffic congestion, improving highway safety, maintaining roads, and saving motorists time and money.

Under the proposed legislation, increases in fuel taxes, vehicle weight taxes, motor vehicle registration fees, and rental vehicle surcharge will occur six months after the time when real personal income grows by 1% for two consecutive quarters, as determined by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.  This trigger ensures that taxpayers are not burdened by these tax and fee increases in the current economic situation.  The annual revenue generated is estimated to cost each Hawai`i taxpayer about $170 per year but will be offset by an estimated $600 per year in savings in time and gas consumption.

However, in order to ensure that our highways and roads are used in a responsible and safe manner, the Administration is also proposing five measures to help Hawai`i motorists develop good driving habits.  These measures together will create a set of laws that will both protect and deter motorists from dangerous driving behaviors such as running red lights, texting while driving, speeding, riding motor scooters and mopeds without helmets, and driving a truck while under the influence of alcohol.

Key Legislation »

• HB1167, SB985: Creates a 6-year, $4 billion plan to improve our State highway system.
• HB1158, SB976: Prohibits drivers between 15½ and 18 from using cell phones while operating a motor vehicle.
• HB1159, SB977: Increases the penalties for reckless driving.
• HB1162, SB980: Allows the courts to cancel a commercial driver’s license for those found to be driving with a blood alcohol content level of 0.04-0.79.
• HB1169, SB987: Requires drivers and passengers on mopeds and motor scooters to wear a safety helmet.
• HB1170, SB988: Permits the counties to install photo cameras at key intersections throughout the state.

Important Dates »

Related Information »

• Watch Brennon Morioka, director of the Department of Transportation, discuss the Lingle-Aiona Administration's Highways Modernization Plan.
• Highways Modernization Plan
• Highway Safety Plan
• Harbors Modernization Plan
• Airports Modernization Plan
• Five-point economic action plan