STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1689-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.R. No. 117

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.R. No. 117 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO COORDINATE WITH UTILITY PROVIDERS OPERATING WITHIN STATE HIGHWAY RIGHTS-OF-WAY TO DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE STATEWIDE PLAN AND SCHEDULE TO ADDRESS DERELICT OR AGING UTILITY POLES AND LINES ALONG FARRINGTON HIGHWAY AND OTHER HIGH-RISK CORRIDORS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Transportation to:

(1) Coordinate with utility providers operating within state highway rights-of-way to develop a comprehensive statewide plan and schedule to address derelict or aging utility poles and lines along Farrington Highway and other high-risk corridors; and

(2) Submit a report to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2027.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Hawaiian Electric and one individual.

Your Committee finds that aging, damaged, or derelict utility poles and overhead lines located within state highway rights-of-way pose significant safety risks to motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and nearby residents. These risks are exacerbated in areas vulnerable to severe weather, coastal erosion, and high traffic volumes, where deteriorating infrastructure can impede emergency access and increase the likelihood of accidents. By requesting the Department of Transportation to coordinate with utility providers, this measure enhances public safety and infrastructure resilience.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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 H.R. No. 117, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 117, H.D. 1.

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

____________________________

DARIUS KILA, Chair