Establishes the urban Honolulu regional traffic task force to identify major contributors to traffic congestion and make recommendations on traffic alleviation in areas bounded by Ward Avenue, Lunalilo H-1 Freeway, Kapahulu Avenue, Kalakaua Avenue, and Ala Moana Boulevard. Appropriates funds for the task force.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that downtown Honolulu and the neighboring clusters of retail, entertainment, and commercial development are increasingly congested, with heavy traffic throughout the day and gridlock at various freeway on- and off-ramp locations and city street intersections during "rush-hour" periods.

Furthermore, pending new developments in Waikiki, Ala Moana, and Kakaako make it imperative for state and county transportation agencies to coordinate their efforts to better address the traffic congestion.

The purpose of this Act is to establish an urban Honolulu regional traffic task force to identify the major contributors to traffic congestion between the areas bounded by Ward avenue, Lunalilo H-1 freeway, Kapahulu avenue, along Kalakaua avenue, and Ala Moana boulevard to the intersection of Ward avenue.

SECTION 2. There is established, within the department of transportation, the urban Honolulu regional traffic task force, which shall be comprised of members appointed by the governor, with the members representing:

The chair of the task force shall be designated by the members of the task force.

SECTION 3. (a) The task force shall:

(b) The task force shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including recommended legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2006 and shall cease to exist on June 30, 2006.

(c) The department of transportation is authorized to work in conjunction with and through the Oahu metropolitan planning organization to secure any federal funding that may be available to effectuate the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. 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 urban Honolulu regional traffic task force established in section 2 of this Act to assist in the performance of its duties under this Act. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.