Rex Y. Akutagawa

The committee discussed a funding request from the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation for the Safe Routes to School program, focusing on the allocation of funds for staffing and program activities, the necessity of monthly updates, and report production requirements. The committee tabled the action to allow for the refinement of voting language regarding labor and non-labor cost coverage. Additional updates were provided on the status of planning initiatives, staffing for county-level positions, and the progress of intergovernmental agreements for projects. The committee also reviewed legislative session bills relevant to program governance and received a presentation on best practices for community-based crossing guard programs.

The committee addressed several key agenda items, including the partial approval of a funding request from the Hawaii Department of Transportation to support the program coordinator role and other staff costs, subject to specific reporting and oversight conditions. The committee also discussed the status of the Special Fund, including the collection of vehicle registration fees, and moved to pre-approve funding requests from counties to update motor vehicle systems for fee collection. Additionally, the committee reviewed updates on the program plan and relevant state legislative bills, and received a presentation on school street design initiatives aimed at improving pedestrian safety.

The meeting included discussions on various property and land matters across airports, harbors, and highways divisions. Airport items focused on requests for revocable permits for warehouse space, storage, aircraft parking, and land leases, as well as an amendment to a concession agreement. Harbor-related items covered the authorization for the disposal of a remnant parcel and the issuance of a construction right of entry and lease. Finally, the highways division discussed the transfer of specific road portions to the Hawaii Community Development Authority.

The hearing focused on declaring a traffic emergency zone for a section of the Daniel K. Inouye Highway due to a high rate of fatal crashes. Key discussion points included immediate short-term safety measures such as the installation of open-graded friction course pavement to mitigate hydroplaning, rumble strips, improved signage, and speed safety cameras for issuing warnings. Potential long-term mitigation strategies were also discussed, including a full divided highway conversion, installation of median barriers, and re-striping for passing lanes, with further feasibility and funding studies planned.

The committee meeting focused on administrative updates and several voting measures. Key discussion topics included the annual report to the state legislature, the use of special fund monies to cover program expenses, and the coordination of deliverables between staff and consultants. The committee also deliberated on the appropriate language for the funding request, addressing concerns regarding staff labor, legislative reporting conditions, and project timeline enforcement.