HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	93
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

Requesting the Department of Transportation to seek assistance from the federal government to fund or perform a study on all possible TRANSPORTATION options to reduce traffic within the City and County of Honolulu and in the other counties of the State of Hawaii.

WHEREAS, traffic congestion in Honolulu consistently ranks as one of the worst in the nation; and

WHEREAS, Honolulu ranks as the eighth most congested city in the United States and the eighty-ninth most congested city in the world; and

WHEREAS, Honolulu has a twenty-nine percent congestion level, which is very similar to the cities of Portland, Oregon, and Miami, Florida; and

WHEREAS, a twenty-nine mile drive from West Oahu to downtown Honolulu takes approximately forty-five minutes without heavy traffic congestion; and

WHEREAS, that same drive amid heavy traffic congestion takes an additional hour or more; and

WHEREAS, traffic congestion can not only negatively impact the quality of life for residents, workers, and tourists, but it also produces a substantial economic drain, inhibiting the economic potential of an area; and

WHEREAS, according to the 2018 Inrix Global Traffic scorecard, the total number of hours lost in Honolulu traffic congestion during peak commute periods compared to free-flow conditions is ninety-two hours and the cost of the congestion is estimated to be $1,282 per driver; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2019, that the Department of Transportation is requested to seek assistance from the federal government to fund or perform a study on all possible transportation options to reduce traffic congestion within the City and County of Honolulu and in the other counties, including exploring the feasibility of freeway improvements, above‑ground roads, and underground roads; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Traffic; Department of Transportation; Federal Assistance