Read the full stored bill text
HB1908
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
1908
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating
to the makakilo drive extension project
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
����
SECTION 1.
�
The legislature finds that traffic congestion
and limited roadway access in west Oahu, particularly in the Makakilo region,
have created persistent safety, mobility, and economic challenges for residents.
�
The Makakilo drive extension has long been
identified as a critical infrastructure project to improve connectivity, reduce
emergency response times, and support responsible residential and commercial
growth.
�
However, f
ragmented jurisdiction between state and
municipal entities has contributed to delays in the planning, permitting, and
implementation of the Makakilo drive extension project.
����
The
legislature believes that sustainable infrastructure practices, including
environmentally responsible design and energy-efficient technology, are
essential to Hawaii's long-term climate resilience and environmental
stewardship goals.
�
Additionally, public
transparency in major infrastructure projects strengthens government accountability,
trust, and fiscal responsibility.
����
Accordingly, t
he purpose of this Act
is to expedite the completion of the Makakilo drive extension by transferring
primary authority to the State, streamlining interagency coordination,
incorporating sustainable infrastructure practices, and enhancing public
transparency.
����
SECTION 2.
�
Short Title.
�
This Act shall be known and may be cited
as the "Makakilo Drive Infrastructure Acceleration and Sustainability
Act."
����
SECTION 3.
�
Definitions.
�
For purposes of this Act:
����
"Department"
means the state department of transportation.
����
"Task
force" means the Makakilo drive extension task force.
����
SECTION
4.
�
Transfer of jurisdiction
and project responsibility.
�
(a)
�
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary,
all primary authority, responsibility, and control over the planning, design,
acquisition, construction, and completion of the Makakilo drive extension are
hereby transferred from the city and county of Honolulu to the department.
����
(b)
�
The city and county of Honolulu shall cooperate fully with the
department in effectuating the transfer of authority, including:
����
(1)
�
Providing all
relevant plans, studies, environmental reviews, permits, contracts, and project
records;
����
(2)
�
Transferring any
unencumbered project funds, subject to applicable law; and
����
(3)
�
Coordinating land
use, zoning, utilities, and municipal infrastructure matters necessary to
ensure continuity of the project.
����
(c)
�
Upon transfer, the department shall serve as the lead agency for all
remaining approvals, construction activities, and project management related to
the Makakilo drive extension.
����
(d)
�
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to relieve the city and county of
Honolulu of obligations related to municipal coordination, infrastructure
compatibility, or public safety services.
����
SECTION 5.
�
Makakilo drive extension task force;
established.
�
(a)
�
There is established within the department the
Makakilo drive extension task force.
����
(b)
�
The task force shall comprise the following
members:
����
(1)
�
The director of transportation or the
director's designee, who shall serve as the chair of the task force;
����
(2)
�
The comptroller or the comptroller's designee;
����
(3)
�
The director of the office of planning and
sustainable development or the director's designee;
����
(4)
�
The director of the Hawaii green
infrastructure authority or the director's designee; and
����
(5)
�
Two individuals with primary residence in west
Oahu, including the areas of Makakilo, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Waianae, or Waipahu,
appointed by the governor under section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
A majority of all members to which the task force is
entitled shall constitute a quorum to do business.
�
The individuals appointed under paragraph (5)
shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for expenses,
including travel expenses, necessary for the performance of their duties.
����
(c)
�
The task force shall be responsible for:
����
(1)
�
Coordinating planning, land acquisition,
permitting, and construction activities;
����
(2)
�
Identifying and resolving administrative or
regulatory delays;
����
(3)
�
Ensuring compliance with sustainability and
transparency requirements under this chapter; and
����
(4)
�
Submitting quarterly progress reports to the legislature.
����
SECTION 6.
�
Sustainable infrastructure and
environmental design.
�
(
a)
�
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary,
subject to approval of the public utilities commission, moneys in the Hawaii
green infrastructure special fund under section 196-65, Hawaii Revised
Statutes, may be used to support sustainable design elements for the Makakilo drive
extension, including:
����
(1)
�
Stormwater capture
and filtration systems;
����
(2)
�
Energy-efficient
roadway lighting;
����
(3)
�
Heat-mitigating or
reflective pavement materials;
����
(4)
�
Native or
drought-resistant landscaping; and
����
(5)
�
Infrastructure
designed to improve long-term climate resilience.
����
(b)
�
The department shall ensure that
sustainability measures are integrated into project planning without
compromising safety, accessibility, or structural integrity.
����
SECTION 7.
�
Public transparency and project dashboard.
�
(a)
�
The department shall establish and maintain a
publicly accessible online project dashboard for the Makakilo drive extension.
����
(b)
�
The dashboard shall include:
����
(1)
�
Project timelines
and milestones;
����
(2)
�
Budget allocations
and expenditures;
����
(3)
�
Contract awards;
and
����
(4)
�
Construction
progress updates.
����
(c)
�
The dashboard shall be updated at least once
every two months.
����
SECTION 8.
�
There is appropriated out of the general
revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $
or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the completion
of the Makakilo drive extension.
����
The sum
appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the
purposes of this Act.
����
SECTION 9.
�
This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026;
provided that sections 5, 6, and 7 shall be repealed on June 30, 2036.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
HDOT;
City and County of Honolulu; Makakilo Drive Extension; Task Force;
Appropriation
Description:
Transfers
land from the City and County of Honolulu to the Department of Transportation
to complete the Makakilo Drive Extension project.
�
Establishes the Makakilo Drive Extension Task
Force to coordinate the project.
�
Authorizes
use of the Hawaii green infrastructure special fund to support sustainable
design elements of the project.
�
Appropriates
funds.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.