HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1260

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025

H.D. 1

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 fostering vibrant, sustainable, and livable communities can support the health, well-being, and connectivity of all residents.  Streets and public spaces are invaluable resources that, when adapted for multi-use purposes, can enhance community life by providing safe and inclusive opportunities for recreation, active transportation, and cultural engagement.  In line with this vision, Hawaii seeks to establish a summer streets program to reimagine urban spaces, drawing inspiration from the successful pilot program initiated in Malmo, Sweden in 2017.

     The legislature further finds that Malmo's program demonstrated the transformative power of temporarily repurposing streets and public spaces into dynamic areas for pedestrian use, cycling, and community-centered activities.  This initiative not only encouraged greater public participation and physical activity, but also bolstered local businesses and improved environmental outcomes.  By creating similar spaces across Hawaii, the State can build stronger connections between residents, foster a sense of belonging, and promote healthier lifestyles.

     Hawaii's unique geographic and cultural landscape offers a compelling opportunity to adapt and expand upon the Malmo model.  Beyond transforming streets, this initiative will emphasize the importance of creating accessible public spaces that act as hubs for social interaction, cultural events, and local markets.  These spaces will serve as central gathering points, enriching the lives of residents and supporting a stronger sense of community identity.

     The legislature believes that this program aligns with the State's goal of reducing carbon emissions, encouraging sustainable transportation, and promoting community health.  By prioritizing active lifestyles and providing equitable access to public spaces, the summer streets program will address public health challenges, such as physical inactivity, mental well-being, and social isolation while supporting local businesses and reducing environmental impact.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Require a county with a population of two hundred fifty thousand or less, in collaboration with the department of transportation, to establish a summer streets pilot program that temporarily closes vehicular traffic and repurposes roads for pedestrian and cyclist uses;

     (2)  Require each county to submit an initial proposal to the director of transportation; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  Each county shall, in collaboration with the department of transportation, establish a summer streets pilot program that temporarily closes vehicular traffic and repurposes roads for pedestrian and cyclist use, outdoor events, temporary installations, and other community-driven activities.

     (b)  In developing the summer streets pilot program, a county shall identify and designate specific streets for pedestrianization, prioritizing areas that will best benefit from reduced vehicular traffic, and which are central to local commerce, cultural activities, and community engagement.  The summer streets pilot program shall support sustainable transportation options, including the provision of bike lanes and enhanced pedestrian pathways.

     (c)  Each county shall submit initial proposals for the summer street pilot program, including locations, schedule for road closures, the types of activities and amenities to be provided, and a breakdown of projected costs to the director of transportation no later than December 31, 2025.

     (d)  The department of transportation shall, in consultation with each county, submit reports of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than thirty days prior to the convening of  each regular session.  The reports shall include, at a minimum:

     (1)  The benefits and disadvantages of this Act;

     (2)  Data on traffic accidents as a result of this Act, or the absence thereof;

     (3)  Pedestrian related data; and

     (4)  Feedback from participating counties and businesses, law enforcement agencies, and other applicable partners.

     (e)  For purposes of this Act, "county" means a county of the State with a population of two hundred fifty thousand or less, except the county of Kalawao.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to allocate to each county for the summer streets pilot program required by this Act.

     The sums 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, 3000, and shall be repealed on June 30, 2027.

 


 

Report Title:

DOT; Counties; Summer Streets Pilot Program; Appropriation

 

Description:

Requires a county with a population of two hundred fifty thousand or less, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation to establish a Summer Streets Pilot Program that closes vehicular traffic and repurposes roads for pedestrian and cyclist use, outdoor events, and other community-driven activities.  Requires a participating county to submit an initial proposal to the Director of Transportation.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Repeals on 6/30/2027.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

 

 

 

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