STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1870-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.C.R. No. 140

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 140, S.D. 1, entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE CONVENING OF A TASK FORCE TO RESEARCH AND DEVELOP A GREEN HIGHWAY PROGRAM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the convening of a task force to research and develop a green highway program in the State.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and Department of Transportation.

Your Committee finds that green highways offer numerous benefits, including improved air and water quality, reduced noise pollution, enhanced biodiversity, and increased recreational opportunities. Green highways may also contribute to island heat mitigation by incorporating features such as green infrastructure, shade trees, and reflective pavements. Your Committee further finds that the implementation of a green highway program aligns with statewide goals for environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Amending its title; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

Your Committee notes that this measure does not provide guidance or requirements as to the criteria that should be used when selecting co-chairpersons for the task force. Therefore, your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider establishing criteria the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives should use when selecting the task force's co-chairpersons.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 140, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 140, S.D. 1, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

____________________________

CHRIS TODD, Chair