HI HR73

Request to convene a working group led by the Department of Transportation to resolve long-standing disputes between the state and counties over roadway ownership and maintenance responsibility.

Working group must include representatives from the state Department of Transportation, counties of Honolulu and Maui, Board of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaiian Homes Commission, state Attorney General, county Corporation Counsels, and a professional impartial facilitator chosen by the Governor.

Working group shall address funding mechanisms, roadway descriptions and categorization, indicators of county ownership, temporary liability protections for counties during road improvements, and establishment of a high-level committee for ongoing road management.

High-level committee responsible for developing a complete statewide public roads list, categorizing roads by ownership and function, identifying disputed roads, and handling regular acceptance of new roads by counties.

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