HI HB1516

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 279A to require the Department of Transportation to develop and use a documented public involvement process for statewide transportation planning and projects.

Mandates minimum requirements including early and continuous public involvement opportunities, public access to technical and policy information, and notice at key decision points with reasonable opportunity to comment on proposed plans.

Requires meetings at convenient and accessible locations and times to the maximum extent practicable, use of visual aids, and electronically accessible formats for public information.

Obligates the department to seek out and consider needs of traditionally underserved populations such as low-income and minority households and to periodically review the effectiveness of the public involvement process.

Grants the Department of Transportation discretion to adopt or reject proposed changes from public input, with requirement to publicly explain reasons for rejections; director must adopt implementing rules under Chapter 91.