Hawaii Senate Bill SCR77

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/16/26
• Refer: 3/19/26

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Transportation To Coordinate With Utility Providers Operating Within State Highway Rights-of-way To Develop A Comprehensive Statewide Plan And Schedule To Address Derelict Or Aging Utility Poles And Lines Along Farrington Highway And Other High-risk Corridors.

Impact

If enacted, SCR77 would lead to a structured and data-driven assessment of utility infrastructure across the state, prioritizing locations most susceptible to risks such as wildfires and high traffic volumes. The bill outlines specific steps the Department of Transportation must take, including the development of a repair or remediation schedule, and establishing a standardized process for addressing unsafe or abandoned infrastructure. These requirements aim to enhance public safety and resilience of the infrastructure, potentially reducing hazards to motorists, pedestrians, and local communities.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 77 (SCR77) requests the Hawaii Department of Transportation to collaborate with utility providers to create a comprehensive plan addressing derelict or aging utility poles and lines along the Farrington Highway and other high-risk corridors. This initiative acknowledges the significant public safety concerns posed by deteriorating infrastructure, particularly in areas prone to severe weather, heavy traffic, and designated as critical transportation routes. The urgency for such measures is underscored by past incidents involving downed utility lines, emphasizing the need for proactive infrastructure management.

Contention

While SCR77 aims to unify efforts toward enhancing public safety, it may also prompt discussions regarding the adequacy of existing statutes or franchise agreements that govern utility maintenance responsibilities. Critics may question whether the resolution effectively addresses the accountability of utility providers in the upkeep of their infrastructure, as well as the implications for local control regarding infrastructure management. Notably, the resolution requires a report detailing findings and proposed legislation to be submitted prior to the 2027 session, which may guide future legislative initiatives based on observed successes or challenges from the implementation of this plan.