STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1679-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.R. No. 48

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. 48 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE COUNTIES TO INTEGRATE THE SAFE SYSTEM APPROACH INTO ROAD AND TRANSPORTATION DESIGN, ESPECIALLY WHEN REDUCING OR ELIMINATING OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS, TO INCREASE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the counties to integrate the Safe System Approach into road and transportation design, especially when reducing or eliminating off-street parking requirements, to increase pedestrian safety.

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

Your Committee finds that the reduction or elimination of off-street parking requirements, while intended to support increased housing development, has led to a rise in on-street parking that can obstruct visibility and force pedestrians, including children and families, into roadways. Many neighborhoods, particularly those with narrow streets or lacking sidewalks, face heightened safety risks as parked vehicles limit sightlines and increase the likelihood of accidents. Your Committee further finds that the Safe System Approach provides a comprehensive framework to improve roadway safety by incorporating design elements that account for human error and prioritize the protection of vulnerable users. This measure urges the counties to integrate the Safe System Approach into transportation planning, enhancing pedestrian safety, and accommodating the diverse mobility needs of residents.

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. 48 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Water & Land.

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

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DARIUS KILA, Chair