Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR80

Introduced
3/16/26  

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

The proposed resolution has significant implications for state infrastructure management and public safety. By coordinating assessments and establishing remediation schedules, it aims to enhance the resilience of critical utility infrastructure in high-traffic areas. The impact extends to improving emergency access and reducing risks related to severe weather events and deferred maintenance. This plan is anticipated to clarify the responsibilities of utility providers and the Department of Transportation, fostering an organized approach towards maintaining safety along state highways.

Summary

Senate Resolution 80 requests the Department of Transportation in Hawaii to work in conjunction with utility providers to devise a comprehensive plan addressing derelict or aging utility poles and lines, particularly along Farrington Highway and other identified high-risk corridors. This resolution underscores the importance of public safety, especially in coastal and high-wind areas, and aims to mitigate potential hazards posed by deteriorating infrastructure that could endanger motorists and pedestrians alike. The urgency arises from a history of incidents on Farrington Highway where downed infrastructure has been a concern.

Contention

Potential points of contention may arise around the implementation details of the proposed plan. Issues related to funding responsibilities and cost allocations may become contentious, especially when determining which stakeholders will bear the financial burden of infrastructure improvements. Furthermore, the resolution calls for a review of existing statutes and franchise agreements, which could unveil regulatory barriers that may provoke debate on regulatory reforms or adjustments in state policies regarding utility maintenance.

Next_steps

As a key next step, the Department of Transportation is required to submit a detailed report to the legislature prior to the next session. This report will outline identified infrastructure issues, proposed schedules for remediation, and any statutory or regulatory barriers encountered during the planning process. The collaborative approach envisioned by SR80 could set a precedent for future infrastructure improvements across Hawaii.

Companion Bills

HI SCR77

Same As 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.

HI HR117

Same As 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.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 SR18

Requesting The Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation To Collaborate With The Department Of Transportation To Use Inmate Work Furlough Programs For State Roadway And Highway Maintenance.

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.

HI SCR32

Requesting The Department Of Corrections And Rehabilitation To Collaborate With The Department Of Transportation To Use Inmate Work Furlough Programs For State Roadway And Highway Maintenance.

HI HCR121

Requesting The United States Department Of Defense, United States Army, United States Navy, And State Department Of Transportation To Work With Appropriate State And County Departments And Agencies To Expand, Plan, And Coordinate Work Related To Using Kolekole Pass As An Expanded Emergency Exit Route.

HI HR117

Requesting The United States Department Of Defense, United States Army, United States Navy, And State Department Of Transportation To Work With Appropriate State And County Departments And Agencies To Expand, Plan, And Coordinate Work Related To Using Kolekole Pass As An Expanded Emergency Exit Route.

HI SB459

Relating To The Deputy Director Of Highways Of The Department Of Transportation.

HI HB101

Relating To The Deputy Director Of Highways Of The Department Of Transportation.

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