STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1404

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 152

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.R. No. 152 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU TO INITIATE A SUMMER STREETS PILOT PROGRAM,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to encourage the City and County of Honolulu to initiate a Summer Streets Pilot Program in the urban core of Honolulu, as well as in other neighborhoods.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization and one individual.

Your Committees find that summer streets programs close selected streets to vehicular traffic and repurpose the roads for pedestrian and cyclist use, outdoor events, and other cultural engagements. Your Committees note that summer streets programs have been implemented across the world for over fifty years, providing benefits such as increased foot traffic, improved public health, and expanded local economies by attracting more people to shared spaces. According to testimony received by your Committees, this measure not only helps to achieve Hawaii's climate goals by reducing vehicle emissions and encouraging sustainable transportation options, but also aligns with the vision and goals of the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan by promoting an equitable and resilient transportation system.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Transportation and Culture and the Arts that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 152 and recommend its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

________________________________ CHRIS LEE, Chair

________________________________ GLENN WAKAI, Chair