HI HCR81

Requests convening of a working group by the Department of Transportation to address long-standing jurisdictional disputes between the State and counties over roadway ownership and maintenance responsibility.

Working group shall include representatives from the State Department of Transportation, county public works/transportation directors, Attorney General, Corporation Counsels, Board of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaiian Homes Commission, and a professional impartial facilitator chosen by the Governor.

Working group must address funding mechanisms, roadway descriptions and categorization, indicators of county ownership, temporary liability protections for counties during road improvements, and creation of a high-level committee for comprehensive road inventory and ownership classification.

High-level committee must develop a complete list of all public roads in Hawaii, categorize roads by ownership and function, identify specific disputed roads, and meet regularly to oversee county acceptance of new roads.

Working group must submit findings, recommendations, and suggested legislation to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2012 Regular Session convenes.