STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2161

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 2488

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Transportation and International Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2488 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds for the traffic signal capital improvement project at the intersection of Piilani Highway and Kulanihakoi Street in Kihei, Maui.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Maui Research & Technology Park, Maui Economic Development Board, Kihei High School Action Team, and three individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Transportation and one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

     Your Committee finds that there have been numerous traffic accidents and near-accidents at the intersection of Piilani Highway and Kulanihakoi Street in Kihei, Maui.  According to the Maui Police Department, between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2013, there were six major crashes, defined as crashes with injuries or property damage greater than $3,000, or both, at this intersection.  There were also five minor crashes, defined as crashes with no injuries and property damage less than $3,000, during this time at the same intersection.

     The intersection of Piilani Highway and Kulanihakoi Street will also be the entrance to the new high school in Kihei, scheduled to open in 2018.  Kihei is one of Maui's fastest growing communities in the State and with the construction, development, and opening of the high school, it is more important than ever to make traffic safety, bus safety, and pedestrian safety in this area a top priority.  The plan, design, and construction of a traffic signal at the intersection of Piilani Highway and Kulanihakoi Street will help prevent future congestion and ensure traffic, bus, and pedestrian 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. 2488 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