WHEREAS, the laws relating to emergency vehicles were written before our roadway system became so complicated and congested; and

WHEREAS, emergency vehicles have a difficult time negotiating Oahu's roadways during congested periods; and

WHEREAS, drivers display a great deal of uncertainty as to how to react when confronted with emergency vehicles during congested driving conditions; and

WHEREAS, our congested highways delay emergency vehicles and increase the risk of vehicular accidents occurring between commuters and emergency vehicles; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-Second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, that the state Department of Transportation and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services are respectfully requested to jointly review current laws regarding emergency vehicles and to jointly develop a plan to help emergency vehicles make their way through congested highways safely; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state Department of Transportation and the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services are requested to submit their joint plan to the Legislature not later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2004; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the state Director of

Transportation and the City and County of Honolulu Director of Transportation Services.

Report Title:

Transportation ; Emergency Vehicles