Requires Department of Transportation to prepare a report for the legislature regarding planned acquisition and use of variable message signs on state highways. (SD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that highway variable message signs are useful for informing and warning motorists in advance about road conditions and road closures. Flashing messages could prevent accidents, reduce traffic, and curb road rage. It is a convenience that motorists are glad to have.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of transportation to prepare a report for the legislature regarding planned acquisition and use of highway variable message signs.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $0, or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002, for the acquisition of highway variable message signs.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. The department of transportation shall prepare a detailed report regarding the development and implementation of the Akamai Highway Information system, including acquisition and use of variable message signs. The report shall include information regarding planned locations, hours of operation, and cost of variable message signs to report both static and real-time information. The department shall submit its report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2002 regular session.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon approval; provided that section 2 shall take effect on July 1, 2001.