Hawaii House Bill HCR64

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/26
• Refer: 3/18/26
• Report Pass: 4/2/26
• Engrossed: 4/2/26
• Refer: 4/10/26

Caption

Urging The Department Of Transportation To Minimize Rumble Strip Dimensions On A Segment Of Kamehameha V Highway On Molokai To Reduce Unintended Hazards.

Impact

The resolution highlights concerns regarding the effectiveness of rumble strips as a safety tool, which are designed to alert drivers of lane departures. However, the current design has led to unintended consequences, pushing drivers into vulnerable areas where other road users could be at risk. By urging re-evaluation and modification of the rumble strip design, this resolution aims to achieve a balance between effective lane-departure warnings and safe driving conditions for all roadway users.

Summary

HCR64 urges the Hawaii Department of Transportation to reduce the dimensions of rumble strips installed on a segment of Kamehameha V Highway on Molokai to improve motorist safety. Currently, the rumble strips have been deemed excessively deep, which inadvertently encourages hazardous driving behavior. Motorists often swerve to avoid the jarring impact of the rumble strips, potentially endangering cyclists and pedestrians who use the narrow shoulders of the highway. This resolution seeks to maintain the safety of the roadway without inadvertently creating new hazards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR64 appears to be highly focused on public safety and the optimization of road infrastructure. It emphasizes the need for solutions that not only address lane-departure issues but also consider the overall safety of all users—including pedestrians and cyclists. Lawmakers support the resolution, viewing it as a proactive approach to refining roadway safety measures, particularly in rural areas where traffic conditions might be different from urban settings.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the specific alternative designs proposed, such as the transition to 'sinusoidal' or 'mumble' strips. While these designs are suggested to mitigate the secondary hazards created by the current strips, discussions may unfold regarding their effectiveness, public acceptance, and overall implementation. Additionally, there may be concerns about resource allocation and the timing of implementing such changes in the context of broader transportation priorities.