H.R. 27 Summary

• Requests the Department of Transportation investigate the feasibility and conduct a cost-benefit analysis of using rubberized asphalt concrete for paving Hawaii roadways.

• Identifies that Hawaii collects over 8,000 tons of used tires annually, many improperly disposed of, and proposes recycling them into rubberized asphalt as an environmentally friendly alternative.

• Notes that rubberized asphalt concrete offers benefits including reduced traffic noise, increased resistance to rutting and cracking, improved skid resistance, and longer road lifespan compared to traditional pavement.

• References California's success in recycling 75 percent of 70 million disposed tires annually through rubberized asphalt concrete manufacturing.

• Requires the Department of Transportation to report findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2019 Regular Session.