STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2007

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 2696

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Transportation and International Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2696 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to establish within the Department of Transportation a task force on road repair and maintenance to study long-term repair and maintenance solutions and current conditions and methodologies for improving Hawaii's roads and bridges.

     Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Hawaii Transportation Association.  The Department of Transportation (DOT) testified that the measure is unnecessary.

     Your Committee finds that the poor condition of many of Hawaii's roads, highways, and bridges is a continuing frustration for Hawaii drivers.  Potholes in particular affect traffic flow, compromise safety, and can lead to expensive repairs for vehicles damaged as a result of the lack of timely repairs and maintenance.

     In its testimony, the DOT noted several ongoing efforts, both within the department and with the counties and the transportation industry, to address transportation related repair and maintenance.  Your Committee acknowledges this work, but finds that further planning and coordination is not only necessary, it can enhance the department's current approach to road and bridge repair and maintenance.  In addition, your Committee asked the DOT to provide a report on the current status of roads and bridges in Hawaii, in order to determine what further actions might be taken.

     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. 2696 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