Hawaii Department of Transportation

The virtual hearing addressed the designation of a Traffic Emergency Zone for the Kaumualii Highway due to roadway settlement and the discovery of a subsurface void. The department discussed the necessity of immediate stabilization, likely using flowable fill, and explained that this designation enables expedited procurement and permitting processes. Topics included the potential nature of the void, suspected to be a historical irrigation tunnel, and coordination plans with contractors to facilitate repairs. The session concluded with confirmation that no immediate weight restrictions are anticipated and an estimated timeline for lane restoration.

The committee meeting covered several operational and administrative items. Key topics included the transition of staffing support and the role of consultants in drafting meeting minutes. Members discussed the funding request for the HOT position, specifically regarding the scope of work and the need to expedite funding distribution for the fiscal year. Additionally, the committee addressed the status of Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) and explored strategies to pre-approve registration fee requests from counties to streamline future financial processing.

The meeting included various action items regarding property management across transportation sectors. The Airports division presented 16 action items involving the issuance of revocable permits for airline passenger check-in counters, aircraft parking, cargo operations, retail space, and hangar storage at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Kahului Airport, and other regional airfields. The Harbors division presented two items concerning revocable permits for parking at Pier 23, Honolulu Harbor. Finally, the Highways division requested the approval for the purchase of a remnant parcel on South King Street in Honolulu.

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.