The bill amends Chapter 51 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, introducing a requirement for counties to conduct a thorough assessment of alternative revenue sources prior to implementing any fare increase. This assessment must include initiatives like transit-based advertisements displayed within and around transit vehicles. The goal is to reduce the financial burden on riders by providing counties with additional revenue streams, making public transportation more affordable and accessible to all.
Summary
SB195 seeks to address the funding challenges faced by mass transit systems in Hawaii by mandating that counties explore alternative revenue sources before imposing any new fare increases. Recognizing the financial strain on riders, particularly amidst the high cost of living in the state, the bill emphasizes that fare hikes should be a last resort. Counties must first consider revenue generation through transit-based advertising as a potential solution to their funding needs.
Contention
While supporters laud SB195 for its progressive approach to funding public transit, critics may argue that relying on advertising could lead to potential issues regarding the appropriateness and content of ads. The bill allows counties to impose restrictions on advertising to ensure public safety and decency, but concerns may persist about the influence of commercial interests in public spaces. Additionally, the necessity for a justification report to the Department of Transportation when fare increases are deemed necessary may be viewed as an additional bureaucratic step that could delay necessary transit funding adjustments.
Urging The Counties To Seek Revenues From Alternative Sources, Including Transit-based Advertising, Before Imposing Any New Or Increased Mass Transit Fare.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.
Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 88th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.