STAND. COM. REP. NO. 39

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1677

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Transportation and International Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1677 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRAFFIC CONTROL,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to provide effective, efficient responses to incidents, special events, and roadway construction to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on the island of Maui.

     Specifically, this measure appropriates funds for the design of a Maui traffic control center.

     No testimony was received on this measure.

     Your Committee finds that on Maui, traffic across the island is routinely backlogged during morning and afternoon rush hours as a result of roadway maintenance and improvements and when there are traffic accidents or special events.  Other examples of commuter traffic backlogs occur in areas such as Paia town where Hana Highway meets Baldwin Avenue, the Piilani Highway corridor from Kihei to Wailea, and in Lahaina town where Lahainaluna Road meets Honoapiilani Highway.  A traffic control center for the island of Maui would inform drivers, maximize traffic flow, and enhance public safety.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1677 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and International Affairs,

____________________________

J. KALANI ENGLISH, Chair