HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	252
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

urging the department of transportation to adopt a "complete streets" policy.

     WHEREAS, Hawaii faces the multiple challenges of traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, adequate bicycle rights-of-way, obesity, and an aging population, all of which could begin to be addressed through comprehensive planning that encourages bicycling and walking; and

     WHEREAS, increasing traffic congestion has a detrimental effect not only on motorists, but also on the environment and the economy, due to increased fuel consumption and carbon dioxide production, as well as the cost of transportation maintenance, new infrastructure, and lost productivity; and

     WHEREAS, in addition to decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, bicycling and walking would help to safeguard the coastline; and

     WHEREAS, on November 7, 2006, the City and County of Honolulu adopted Charter Amendment 8, with support from seventy-seven per cent of Honolulu voters to establish Honolulu as a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly city; and

     WHEREAS, "Complete Streets" are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities; and

     WHEREAS, planning, designing, and constructing complete streets that include footpaths, bicycle trails, and roundabouts can reduce the need for costly infrastructure retrofitting in the future; and

     WHEREAS, various states are adopting complete streets policies by way of legislation, internal departmental policies, or public education; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2008, that the Department of Transportation is urged to adopt a Complete Streets policy as part of its policies directed at future transportation projects; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation and the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Department of Transportation; Complete Streets Policy