7
THE SENATE                           S.R. NO.              S.D. 1
TWENTIETH LEGISLATURE, 1999                                
STATE OF HAWAII                                            
                                                             
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________


                    SENATE  RESOLUTION

  REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO CONDUCT A STUDY
    AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON IMPROVING TRANSPORTATION AND
    THE TRAFFIC FLOW FROM THE FORT SHAFTER AND AIRPORT AREAS
    TO DOWNTOWN. 


 1        WHEREAS, increased urban development and a growing state
 2   population tests the capacity of the State's transportation
 3   systems; and
 4   
 5        WHEREAS, traffic congestion is a growing concern,
 6   especially during "rush-hour" at the areas of convergence
 7   located in the Fort Shafter and Airport viaduct areas; and
 8   
 9        WHEREAS, from the Fort Shafter and Airport areas to
10   downtown severe traffic congestion occurs; and
11   
12        WHEREAS, communities have expressed a need for action to
13   remedy the traffic congestion problems; and
14   
15        WHEREAS, it is in the State's interest to study, explore,
16   and execute any and all methods to minimize, or even eliminate,
17   traffic congestion anywhere in the State; and
18   
19        WHEREAS, although the counties usually conduct traffic
20   studies on county streets and roads, the Department of
21   Transportation would be the appropriate agency on this issue
22   since "rush hour" traffic involves through traffic that must be
23   properly coordinated with adjacent state highways; now,
24   therefore,
25   
26        BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twentieth Legislature
27   of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 1999, that the
28   Department of Transportation is requested to conduct a study
29   and make recommendations regarding the traffic flow from the
30   Fort Shafter and Airport areas to downtown; and
31   
32        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the study and recommendations:
33   
34        (1)  Use existing studies as a base and further examine

 
Page 2                                                     7
                                  S.R. NO.              S.D. 1
                                                        
                                                        

 
 1             alternatives to facilitate traffic flow from the Fort
 2             Shafter and Airport areas to downtown;
 3   
 4        (2)  Examine alternative solutions or approaches,
 5             including but not limited to one-way streets,
 6             contra-flow lanes, trolley systems, and park and
 7             rides, to facilitate transportation and traffic flow;
 8   
 9        (3)  Explore different lane configurations and uses
10             including but not limited to converting four lane
11             thoroughfares to three lane thoroughfares as has been
12             successfully done at the federal level to provide for
13             bike lanes, wider sidewalks, beautification of the
14             area, and better traffic flow;
15   
16        (4)  In addition to facilitating transportation and
17             traffic flow, consider enhancement of the quality of
18             life for the community, street parking for local
19             businesses, and beautification of the neighborhoods;
20             and
21   
22        (5)  Be conducted, compiled, and reviewed by the
23             Department of Transportation with input from the
24             affected communities on any proposed solution to
25             reduce traffic congestion;
26   
27   and
28   
29        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Director of Transportation
30   is requested to submit a report of findings and recommendations
31   to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the
32   convening of the Regular Session of 2000; and
33   
34        BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this
35   Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation.