Hawaii House Bill HR96

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/16/26
• Refer: 3/18/26
• Report Pass: 4/2/26
• Refer: 4/2/26
• Report Pass: 4/9/26
• Passed: 4/9/26

Caption

Urging The Department Of Transportation And The Department Of Transportation Services Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Work With Community Groups To Advance The System Of Coastal Trails On The North Shore Of Oahu.

Summary

H.R. 96 is a House Resolution urging the Hawaii Department of Transportation and the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services to work with North Shore community organizations to advance a connected system of multimodal coastal trails on Oahu’s North Shore. The resolution frames the trails as part of Hawaii’s long tradition of walking and non-vehicular travel, and it emphasizes that existing paved and unpaved trails already support safe travel for residents and visitors. The resolution points to broader transportation policy efforts already underway, including Honolulu’s Complete Streets program, the Oahu Vision Zero Action Plan, the state’s draft Priority Multimodal Network, and a possible Haleʻiwa Mobility Hub. It also highlights traffic congestion on the North Shore and argues that separated, paved pathways can improve safety and support walking and biking as alternatives to driving.

Impact

As a resolution, HR 96 does not amend state law or create new regulatory requirements. Its practical effect is advisory: it encourages state and city transportation agencies to coordinate with community groups and to involve them in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of coastal trails. The measure is aimed at transportation planning and infrastructure development, especially multimodal and pedestrian/bicycle access on the North Shore of Oahu, and it may support future funding, permitting, or project prioritization decisions.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment is supportive and pro-multimodal transportation. The resolution is written in a celebratory and collaborative tone, emphasizing community effort, safety, accessibility, and reduced congestion. Because no committee transcripts or vote history were provided, there is no recorded opposition or divided vote to indicate controversy in the available materials.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided record. Based on the text, any potential concerns would likely center on implementation issues such as land use, cost, maintenance responsibilities, coordination between state and county agencies, or balancing trail development with North Shore traffic, environmental, and community impacts. However, the resolution itself presents the project as broadly beneficial and community-driven, and no opposing viewpoints are included in the available context.