HI SCR168

Urges the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Department of Transportation Highways Division, and Hawaii County to jointly develop a plan to improve Mealani Road and establish an emergency bypass protocol for when Mamalahoa Highway is inaccessible.

Identifies Mamalahoa Highway as the only road providing entry and exit from the east side of Waimea in Hawaii County, with closures creating significant access problems for residents and commuters.

Designates Mealani Road, an unimproved road under Department of Hawaiian Home Lands jurisdiction, as the only existing potential emergency bypass route during Mamalahoa Highway closures.

Requires submission of a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2021 Regular Session describing the plan to improve Mealani Road and establish the emergency bypass protocol.

References successful prior collaboration between the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Hawaii County on Kahilu Road improvements for emergency access in Waimea.