Hawaii Senate Bill SCR92

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

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

Caption

Urging The Counties To Integrate The Safe System Approach Into Road And Transportation Design, Especially When Reducing Or Eliminating Off-street Parking Requirements, To Increase Pedestrian Safety.

Impact

The bill emphasizes the need for counties to balance the elimination of off-street parking with significant investment in pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. It advocates for road design enhancements like crosswalk visibility improvements and safe refuge areas to mitigate risks for vulnerable road users. This commitment to pedestrian safety aligns with broader federal initiatives underscored by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe System Approach, designed to protect the most vulnerable transportation system users, which includes consideration for blue-collar commuters and the needs of the elderly.

Summary

SCR92, introduced in the Thirty-third Legislature of Hawaii in 2026, urges counties to incorporate the Safe System Approach into road and transportation design. This initiative is particularly aimed at addressing the impacts of reducing or eliminating off-street parking requirements, which have been used to facilitate housing development. The bill highlights the resulting increase in demand for on-street parking and potential safety hazards for pedestrians, especially children and families using narrow and rural roads lacking adequate sidewalks.

Conclusion

Ultimately, SCR92 serves as a legislative push for a more strategic approach to transportation planning in Hawaii. By urging counties to reconsider their road designs in light of pedestrian safety, the bill seeks to create safer communities that can accommodate both housing needs and the safety of their residents. Its successful implementation will depend on effective collaboration between local governments, urban planners, and community stakeholders.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding SCR92 relates to how counties will adapt their infrastructure strategies amidst increasing housing development pressures. Critics may argue that reducing off-street parking could lead to further congestion and unsafe conditions for pedestrians, while proponents assert that enhancing pedestrian safety measures will serve as a beneficial trade-off. The bill also references substantial federal funding via the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, potentially bolstering local initiatives aimed at improving roadway safety and reducing fatalities.