SB2696

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2696
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to transportation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that over one hundred forty thousand potholes were filled in roads throughout the State since the beginning of 2005. On average, there are forty-three potholes per mile per year on the roads of Honolulu. This number is drastically higher than that of other major metropolitan areas, including New York City and San Diego, where the average number of potholes per mile per year equals nine and four, respectively.

The legislature further finds that efforts must be made to not only refill existing potholes, but establish a plan for the long-term repair and maintenance of roads and bridges within the State. Proper research and planning will help to ensure that funds are being appropriately managed and improvements to Hawaii's roads and bridges are enduring.

The purpose of this Act is to establish a task force on road repair and maintenance to study current conditions and methodologies for improving Hawaii's roads and bridges and to appropriate funds therefor.

SECTION 2. (a) There is established within the department of transportation the task force on road repair and maintenance to study long-term road repair and maintenance solutions and other related matters.

(b) The task force on road repair and maintenance shall consist of at least members to be appointed by the director of transportation. The task force on road repair and maintenance shall select a chairperson from among its members. The number of members necessary to constitute a quorum to do business shall consist of a majority of all members of the task force on road repair and maintenance. When a quorum is in attendance, the concurrence of a majority of the members in attendance shall make any action of the task force on road repair and maintenance valid. The members of the task force shall not be subject to section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

(c) The director of transportation shall act as chairperson of the task force. All members shall have the right to vote. Members shall serve without compensation.

(d) The task force on road repair and maintenance shall conduct a study on the following:

(1) The condition of existing roads and bridges within the State;

(2) The completed and planned investments in roads and bridges throughout the State;

(3) Methodologies for road and bridge repair and maintenance utilized both nationally and globally to ensure long-term resolution versus quick fixes; and

(4) Economic and non-economic costs and benefits associated with various methodologies for repair and maintenance of roads and bridges in the State.

(e) The department of transportation shall provide necessary support services to facilitate the work of the task force on road repair and maintenance.

(f) The task force on road repair and maintenance shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2009. The report shall include proposed legislation to implement the task force's recommendations.

(g) The task force shall be dissolved upon adjournment sine die of the regular session of 2009.

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $75,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008-2009 for the task force on road repair and maintenance.

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

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2008.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________