Report Title:
Federal Highways; Underground Utilities
Description:
Requires DOT to install underground utilities during the final phase of the twin gateway project on Mokulele highway on Maui.
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
3152 |
TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATED TO FEDERAL HIGHWAYS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Maui's scenery is superb and its landscapes diverse. The island's sunny southern coast, which includes Makena, Wailea, and Kihei, is lined with gorgeous white-sand beaches, and the warm ocean waters are teeming with humpback whales. The breathtaking visual impact on a first-time visitor can last a lifetime, and has lured thousands of visitors back year after year; some have become residents, making south Maui the fastest growing area in the State.
It is imperative that the State takes all necessary steps to preserve and enhance the visual beauty of south Maui. Overhead utilities, which can be described as environmental blight, diminish the beauty of the scenery both residents and visitors see as they travel from Kahului airport on Mokulele highway, onto North Kihei road or Piilani highway, into Kihei and Wailea. Due to its rapid growth and superb visitor accommodations, south Maui is an important economic core of Maui. The livelihood of thousands depends on the tourists visiting south Maui.
The department of transportation is entering into the last phase of reconstruction of Mokulele highway and has decided against installing utilities affected by this phase underground. Installing utilities underground not only helps preserve the beauty that Maui offers, but is also cost-effective. Since the roadway is already being realigned, and utility poles will be relocated, it provides the ideal opportunity to situate the utilities underground simultaneously. The immediate cost savings would be about $489,000; the long-term savings priceless.
The legislature finds that placing utilities underground on the Mokulele highway project of the department of transportation is environmentally and economically beneficial, as well as cost-effective for the State.
SECTION 2. The department of transportation shall install underground utilities and facilities during the final phase of the twin gateway project on Mokulele highway, at the gateway to Kihei, on Maui.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY: |
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