HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1290
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
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 the Lower Puna district is a beautiful place to ride a bicycle, but unfortunately it is also one of the most dangerous. The construction of bicycle lanes will help improve traffic flow by giving bicyclists their own safe place on the roadway, while keeping motor vehicles in their respective lanes. By providing a safe place to ride, bicycle lanes encourage more riders to enjoy cycling, which has health benefits for the riders as well as for the environment by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to the department of transportation to design and construct a plan to make Lower Puna one of the safest areas for bicyclists and motorists to share the roads. This three-phase plan is designed to provide for the construction of the following three bicycle lanes on public roads in Puna Makai:

(1) A bicycle lane along Highway 130 in Lower Puna, beginning at the Pahoa traffic circle and continuing down Kahakai Boulevard from its intersection with Highway 130 in Pahoa Village to the ocean at Kahakai Park, a distance of 7 miles;

(2) A bicycle lane beginning at the intersection of Kea‘au-Pahoa road with Highway 130, at the Kea‘au High School campus, to Pahoa Village Road, a distance of 10.1 miles; and

(3) A bicycle lane along Pahoa Village road to Kalapana, a distance of 9.9 miles.

SECTION 2. 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 2023-2024 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for plans, design, construction, and equipment for bicycle routes in Puna Makai on Hawaii island.

The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

DOT; Bicycle Paths; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the department of transportation for bicycle paths in Lower Puna.

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