HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1374

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to highways.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the integrity of Honoapiilani highway, the main access road to and from west Maui, has been compromised due to negative impacts from climate change, erosion, and inundation.  The legislature recognizes that any plan to relocate the existing highway will require a close and vibrant partnership between the State and the county of Maui.

     The legislature further finds that in response to the damaging effects that the business practices of fossil fuel companies have had on the county of Maui in general and on Honoapiilani highway in particular, the county has initiated a lawsuit to seek compensation from fossil fuel companies to fund the relocation of the Honoapiilani highway.  The legislature additionally finds that it is in the best interest of the State's residents and visitors to enable the county of Maui to directly use any funds realized from its lawsuit against fossil fuel companies to relocate and maintain Honoapiilani highway as a scenic coastal route, and to allow the State to direct its funds primarily for extending the Lahaina bypass as an alternate high-capacity thoroughfare for west Maui.

     The legislature also finds that state revenues are severely diminished because of the COVID-19 pandemic and that without these partnerships, the State will be unable to improve the transportation infrastructure of west Maui.  Furthermore, the legislature finds that to convey all of Honoapiilani highway to the county of Maui is excessive and that a more limited conveyance will facilitate quicker relocation and restoration of critical areas.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to convey ownership of a portion of Honoapiilani highway from the State to the county of Maui.

     SECTION 2.  The governor shall transfer the fee simple ownership interest of route 30, Honoapiilani highway, from the State to the county of Maui for use as a county highway, by December 31, 2021.  The department of transportation, in conjunction with the county of Maui, shall identify the section of Honoapiilani highway under threat of inundation and erosion for transfer from the State to the county for purposes of relocating the highway to protect the coastal scenic route.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________


 


 

Report Title:

DOT; Maui County; Honoapiilani Highway

 

Description:

Conveys ownership of a portion of Honoapiilani highway from the State to the county of Maui.

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.