Requires the department of transportation to conduct a comprehensive review of past studies of traffic flow in the corridor from Central Oahu to the H-1 freeway, including any proposals to extend contra-flow lanes to Mililani. Appropriates funds.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that it is critical for Hawaii's highways and roads to accommodate traffic flows efficiently, safely, and quickly. To this end, the department of transportation has conducted or contracted for numerous studies of traffic flows on arteries in the corridor between Central Oahu and the H-1 freeway, including, particularly, the H-2 freeway and Kamehameha highway. These highways are critical roads that serve as ingress and egress for a multitude of communities bridging Central Oahu and urban Honolulu. Motorists from Wahiawa, Mililani, Waipahu and other leeward communities depend on and use the H-2 freeway and Kamehameha highway in their daily commutes to and from work and for other purposes.

Studies confirm in objective terms what has become widely known from practical experience: during peak traffic hours in the mornings, traffic backs up for miles in every direction as vehicles approach the H-1 freeway. It has also become equally obvious that leeward-bound traffic during peak morning hours is invariably sparse. Given these conditions, it is only logical to determine whether a set of recommendations can be developed from a review of these studies to address these traffic problems, including the possibility of extending the "zipper" contra-flow lane from the H-1/H-2 interchange to Mililani.

The purpose of this Act is to require the department of transportation to perform a review of recent traffic studies of the Central Oahu corridor and to develop therefrom a comprehensive set of recommendations for improving traffic flow in the area.

SECTION 2. The director of transportation shall undertake a comprehensive review of Central Oahu traffic flow studies, including the feasibility of extending contra-flow lanes to Mililani. The report shall include all factors the director deems appropriate and relevant, such as:

The director shall submit a written report of findings and recommendations to the governor and the legislature no later than December 31, 2005, including any necessary proposed legislation to implement the study's recommendations.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, for the comprehensive review of Central Oahu traffic studies.

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

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval, except that section 3 shall take effect on July 1, 2005.