STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1681-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.R. No. 119

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. 119 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO COLLABORATE TO ESTABLISH A STATE HIGHWAY POLICE FORCE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement to collaborate to establish a state highway police force.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Hawaii Government Employees Association, AFSCME Local 152, AFL-CIO.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii has experienced a significant increase in traffic fatalities, with recent data reflecting the highest number of roadway deaths in over a decade. While county police departments are primarily responsible for traffic enforcement, increasing demands and resource constraints may limit their ability to fully address safety issues on state highways. Establishing a dedicated state highway police force could enhance enforcement, improve incident response, and support safer roadway conditions through specialized training and coordination.

Your Committee notes the concerns from the Hawaii Government Employees Association regarding the expansion of duties for Deputy Sheriffs and the appropriate contractual and labor relations processes.

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. 119 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

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

____________________________

DARIUS KILA, Chair