HI SCR173

Direct the Director of Human Resources Development to develop and implement a comprehensive pre-tax public transportation benefit program that equalizes transportation benefits and subsidies for all state employees regardless of transportation mode.

Current state policy provides employee parking subsidies (approximately one-third of public rates) with pre-tax payroll deductions, but does not offer equivalent subsidies for public transit passes, bicycling, walking, or car-sharing.

Monthly adult bus pass on Oahu costs $60 with no state subsidy, while employee parking in Honolulu downtown costs $30 to $60 per month at subsidized rates.

Require the Director to submit a progress report to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2016 Regular Session convening.

Request aims to equalize compensation for state employees and encourage greater use of alternative transportation methods that reduce vehicle traffic and parking demand.