HB1908

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that traffic congestion and limited roadway access in west Oahu, particularly in the Makakilo region, have created persistent safety, mobility, and economic challenges for residents. The Makakilo drive extension has long been identified as a critical infrastructure project to improve connectivity, reduce emergency response times, and support responsible residential and commercial growth. However, fragmented jurisdiction between state and municipal entities has contributed to delays in the planning, permitting, and implementation of the Makakilo drive extension project.

The legislature believes that sustainable infrastructure practices, including environmentally responsible design and energy-efficient technology, are essential to Hawaii's long-term climate resilience and environmental stewardship goals. Additionally, public transparency in major infrastructure projects strengthens government accountability, trust, and fiscal responsibility.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to expedite the completion of the Makakilo drive extension by transferring primary authority to the State, streamlining interagency coordination, incorporating sustainable infrastructure practices, and enhancing public transparency.

SECTION 2. Short Title. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Makakilo Drive Infrastructure Acceleration and Sustainability Act."

SECTION 3. Definitions. For purposes of this Act:

"Department" means the state department of transportation.

"Task force" means the Makakilo drive extension task force.

SECTION 4. Transfer of jurisdiction and project responsibility. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, all primary authority, responsibility, and control over the planning, design, acquisition, construction, and completion of the Makakilo drive extension are hereby transferred from the city and county of Honolulu to the department.

(b) The city and county of Honolulu shall cooperate fully with the department in effectuating the transfer of authority, including:

(1) Providing all relevant plans, studies, environmental reviews, permits, contracts, and project records;

(2) Transferring any unencumbered project funds, subject to applicable law; and

(3) Coordinating land use, zoning, utilities, and municipal infrastructure matters necessary to ensure continuity of the project.

(c) Upon transfer, the department shall serve as the lead agency for all remaining approvals, construction activities, and project management related to the Makakilo drive extension.

(d) Nothing in this Act shall be construed to relieve the city and county of Honolulu of obligations related to municipal coordination, infrastructure compatibility, or public safety services.

SECTION 5. Makakilo drive extension task force; established. (a) There is established within the department the Makakilo drive extension task force.

(b) The task force shall comprise the following members:

(1) The director of transportation or the director's designee, who shall serve as the chair of the task force;

(2) The comptroller or the comptroller's designee;

(3) The director of the office of planning and sustainable development or the director's designee;

(4) The director of the Hawaii green infrastructure authority or the director's designee; and

(5) Two individuals with primary residence in west Oahu, including the areas of Makakilo, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Waianae, or Waipahu, appointed by the governor under section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

A majority of all members to which the task force is entitled shall constitute a quorum to do business. The individuals appointed under paragraph (5) shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses, including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.

(1) Coordinating planning, land acquisition, permitting, and construction activities;

(2) Identifying and resolving administrative or regulatory delays;

(3) Ensuring compliance with sustainability and transparency requirements under this chapter; and

(4) Submitting quarterly progress reports to the legislature.

SECTION 6. Sustainable infrastructure and environmental design. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, subject to approval of the public utilities commission, moneys in the Hawaii green infrastructure special fund under section 196-65, Hawaii Revised Statutes, may be used to support sustainable design elements for the Makakilo drive extension, including:

(1) Stormwater capture and filtration systems;

(2) Energy-efficient roadway lighting;

(3) Heat-mitigating or reflective pavement materials;

(4) Native or drought-resistant landscaping; and

(5) Infrastructure designed to improve long-term climate resilience.

(b) The department shall ensure that sustainability measures are integrated into project planning without compromising safety, accessibility, or structural integrity.

SECTION 7. Public transparency and project dashboard. (a) The department shall establish and maintain a publicly accessible online project dashboard for the Makakilo drive extension.

(b) The dashboard shall include:

(1) Project timelines and milestones;

(2) Budget allocations and expenditures;

(3) Contract awards; and

(4) Construction progress updates.

SECTION 8. 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 2026-2027 for the completion of the Makakilo drive extension.

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

SECTION 9. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026; provided that sections 5, 6, and 7 shall be repealed on June 30, 2036.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1908
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII