HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2415

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that Hawaii experienced its deadliest year on the roads since 2007, with one hundred twenty-nine traffic fatalities in 2025, which is a staggering thirty-two per cent increase from the previous year.  The fatalities included forty motor vehicle occupants, thirty-nine motorcycle and motor scooter riders, and thirty-eight pedestrians, with over ninety per cent of these crashes attributed to risky behaviors such as speeding and impairment.

     The legislature further finds that among the lives lost was 19-year-old Tehya Mahelona, who was walking to her job in Nanakuli when she was fatally struck in a chain-reaction crash caused by speeding.  A devoted sister and aspiring pilot, Tehya was known for her independence, compassion, and commitment to helping others - qualities that defined her as a role model in her family and community.

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to direct and appropriate funds for the Department of Transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties, with consideration for other sites.

     SECTION 2.  This Act shall be in honor of Tehya Mahelona.

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the state highway fund established pursuant to section 248-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the sum of $4,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties; provided that the department may consider other sites.

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

     SECTION 4.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties; provided that the department may consider other sites.

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

     SECTION 5.  For the installation of pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties pursuant to sections 3 and 4, the following conditions shall apply:

     (1)  An eligible pedestrian safety improvement shall include all-way crosswalks, raised intersections, or combination of both, where appropriate;

     (2)  The department of transportation shall prioritize installations in areas where crash data, pedestrian activity, or other traffic safety metrics support enhanced protections; and

     (3)  The department of transportation may utilize nationally recognized design guidance, including National Association of City Transportation Officials standards and applicable United States Department of Transportation or Federal Highway Administration guidance, to ensure the department's engineering discretion in determining suitability and feasibility at each site.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

 

 

Report Title:

DOT; Safe Routes to School; Pedestrian Safety Improvements; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties, with consideration for other sites.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

 

 

 

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