STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1229-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: S.B. No. 3154

S.D. 2

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 S.B. No. 3154, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Authorize the Department of Transportation to assume responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for highway projects, as well as railroad, public transportation, or multimodal projects, within the State; and

(2) Provide a limited waiver of sovereign immunity to comply with federal requirements.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that transportation infrastructure projects are frequently subject to extensive environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, which can extend project timelines and slow the implementation of needed transportation improvements. Your Committee further finds that federal law permits states to assume certain federal environmental review duties, allowing for more streamlined coordination and more timely delivery of transportation projects while still upholding federal environmental standards. Enabling the Department of Transportation to participate in the National Environmental Policy Act Assignment Program will enhance coordination, strengthen oversight, and increase efficiency in the delivery of transportation projects.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments 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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3154, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 3154, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Energy & Environmental Protection.

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

____________________________

DARIUS KILA, Chair