Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 2075 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to improve Hawaii's bikeway system by earmarking a percentage of State Highway Fund monies for bikeways and specifying the elements of bikeway development.

Na Kama Hele, Mayor's Advisory Committee on Bicycling of the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii Bicycling League, a member of the Waikiki Neighborhood Board #9, the University of Hawaii at Manoa Bicycling Committee, and several concerned individuals testified in support of this bill. The Department of Transportation supported the intent of this measure. The Tax Foundation of Hawaii submitted comments.

While bicycling has always been a recreational activity in Hawaii, it is fast becoming a favored mode of transportation, especially in light of high fuel costs. Bicycling also has the added benefits of lessening traffic congestion, lowering repair and maintenance costs of Hawaii's roadways, and improving the overall air quality of our state, as well as the health of our citizens. However, your Committee understands the safety concerns raised by bicyclists and finds that ensuring a coordinated and continuous system of bikeways will help improve bicycling safety.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2075 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.