Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Take Necessary Steps To Finalize, Prioritize, And Materialize The Makakilo Drive Extension Project.
Summary
HCR159 is a nonbinding House Concurrent Resolution urging the City and County of Honolulu to move forward with the Makakilo Drive Extension Project. The resolution states that population growth in Makakilo and greater Kapolei has increased traffic congestion on Makakilo Drive and Farrington Highway, and it cites a 2009 environmental impact statement that found the proposed extension would not have significant adverse environmental effects. It also notes that residents and community members have advocated for the project for many years, but no extension has yet been completed.
The resolution asks Honolulu, including the Department of Transportation Services and other appropriate agencies, to take steps to finalize, prioritize, and implement the project. It further encourages the city to establish a clear timeline covering planning updates, funding identification, design, and construction, and to report back to the Legislature with a status update and implementation timeline before the 2027 Regular Session. The measure is aimed at improving regional connectivity between Makakilo, Kapolei, and surrounding West Oahu communities.
Impact
Because HCR159 is a concurrent resolution, it does not change state law or create enforceable legal obligations. Its practical effect is to formally express legislative support and pressure the City and County of Honolulu to advance a local transportation project, while requesting a progress report to the Legislature. The resolution primarily affects city transportation planning and coordination among Honolulu agencies, rather than amending any statute or appropriating funds.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the bill text is supportive and pro-development, with the Legislature framing the project as a needed response to congestion and regional growth. The resolution emphasizes long-standing community advocacy and the importance of better connectivity in West Oahu. No committee transcripts or vote records were provided, so there is no additional evidence of opposition or divided sentiment in the available record.
Contention
The main point of contention implied by the resolution is not the need for congestion relief, but the delay in advancing the project and the challenge of turning prior planning into actual construction. Potential issues include funding, design, scheduling, and coordination among city agencies, all of which the resolution specifically asks Honolulu to address. The reference to the 2009 environmental impact statement suggests that environmental concerns were considered and found manageable, which may have been important in addressing possible objections from land use or environmental stakeholders.
Requesting The Director Of Transportation To Establish The Makakilo Drive Extension Task Force To Address Issues Delaying The Construction Of The Makakilo Drive Extension Project.
Requesting The Director Of Transportation To Establish The Makakilo Drive Extension Task Force To Address Issues Delaying The Construction Of The Makakilo Drive Extension Project.
Urging The Hawaii Housing Finance And Development Corporation To Continue Working With The City And County Of Honolulu To Efficiently Transfer The Roads Within The Villages Of Kapolei To The City And County Of Honolulu.
Requesting The Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Honolulu City Council, And Department Of Parks And Recreation Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Create A Dedicated Animal Education And Training Complex Within Kalaeloa Parklands.
Urging The State Department Of Transportation And The City And County Of Honolulus Department Of Transportation Services To Implement Road Safety And Traffic Flow Improvements In Hawaii Kai.
Urging The Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Honolulu Police Department, And Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney's Office To Collaborate With Local Businesses And Community Partners To Implement Safe And Sound Programs In Ewa Beach, Kapolei, And Waianae.