Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR56

Introduced
3/12/26  
Refer
3/18/26  
Report Pass
4/2/26  
Refer
4/2/26  
Report Pass
4/9/26  

Caption

Urging The Department Of Transportation To Engage With The Community To Identify And Implement Alternative Vegetation Management Methods Along The Hana Highway.

Impact

If enacted, HR56's provisions would influence existing state practices related to highway maintenance and vegetation management. The resolution encourages the DOT to review current practices and develop new strategies that align with community input and environmental standards. By promoting a shift towards eco-friendly alternatives, the bill aims to minimize the use of harmful chemicals in favor of sustainable methods that also respect traditional agricultural systems in East Maui. The resolution emphasizes public health, safety, and ecological stewardship as priority considerations in the ongoing management of the Hana Highway.

Summary

House Resolution 56 urges the Department of Transportation (DOT) of Hawaii to collaborate with the community in exploring and implementing alternative vegetation management methods along the Hana Highway. The resolution highlights a need to maintain road safety while reducing the application of synthetic chemical herbicides, in light of environmental concerns and previous bans on glyphosate products. It addresses the significant ecological and cultural importance of the areas surrounding the highway, which traverse sensitive coastal watersheds and support native Hawaiian practices and agriculture.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HR56 appears to favor community involvement and environmental protection. Supporters of the resolution see it as a proactive step towards responsible vegetation management that aligns with ecological values and public health. However, the bill also presents challenges regarding balancing immediate roadway safety needs with longer-term environmental goals. Stakeholders have expressed concerns about the effective implementation of alternative methods and ensuring that safety standards are not compromised.

Contention

HR56 addresses potential points of contention primarily related to the efficacy of proposed alternative vegetation management methods and the role of chemical treatments in ensuring roadway safety. While many community members advocate for reduced chemical uses, some may be concerned about the practicality and reliability of alternative approaches. The resolution calls for public meetings to facilitate discussion, presenting an opportunity for various voices to be heard, yet it remains to be seen if all stakeholder concerns will be adequately addressed in the DOT’s proposed actions.

Companion Bills

HI HCR62

Same As Urging The Department Of Transportation To Engage With The Community To Identify And Implement Alternative Vegetation Management Methods Along The Hana Highway.

Previously Filed As

HI HR64

Requesting The Ko Olina Golf Club Owners And Management, In Coordination With The Department Of Transportation, To Implement Measures To Prevent Golf Balls From Reaching Farrington Highway.

HI HCR71

Requesting The Ko Olina Golf Club Owners And Management, In Coordination With The Department Of Transportation, To Implement Measures To Prevent Golf Balls From Reaching Farrington Highway.

HI HR162

Urging The State Department Of Transportation And The City And County Of Honolulus Department Of Transportation Services To Implement Road Safety And Traffic Flow Improvements In Hawaii Kai.

HI SCR96

Urging The County Of Maui And The Maui Emergency Management Agency, In Conjunction With The Department Of Transportation And The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, To Develop And Implement An Evacuation Route Signage Program For The County Of Maui.

HI SR79

Urging The County Of Maui And The Maui Emergency Management Agency, In Conjunction With The Department Of Transportation And The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, To Develop And Implement An Evacuation Route Signage Program For The County Of Maui.

HI HR127

Urging The Federal Aviation Administration And State Department Of Transportation To Encourage And Facilitate The Expansion Of Alternative Airline Services That Utilize Short Takeoff And Landing-capable Aircrafts And Requesting The State Department Of Transportation To Conduct A Study On The Feasibility And Implementation Of A Rural Air Service Program.

HI HR193

Requesting The Department Of Transportation And Department Of Transportation Of The County Of Maui To Collaborate With The Kihei Community Association In The Planning And Implementation Of The Kihei Mauka Road Project.

HI SCR23

Requesting The Department Of Transportation And Department Of Law Enforcement To Study The Possibility Of A Highway Patrol And Speed Cameras Along Major Freeways And Highways In Primary Areas Of Speeding.

HI SCR37

Requesting The Department Of Transportation And Department Of Public Works Of The County Of Maui To Collaborate With The Kihei Community Association In The Planning And Implementation Of The Kihei Mauka Road Project.

HI HCR43

Requesting The Department Of Law Enforcement And Department Of Transportation To Study The Possibility Of A Highway Patrol And The Installation Of Speed Cameras Along Major Freeways And Highways In Primary Areas Of Speeding, Including The Impact It Would Have On The District Courts.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.