HI SR124

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 a protocol for using it as an emergency bypass route when Mamalahoa Highway is inaccessible.

Identifies Mamalahoa Highway as the only road providing entry and exit from the east side of Waimea, with closures creating significant problems for residents accessing schools, work, and essential services.

Notes that Mealani Road is an unimproved road under Department of Hawaiian Home Lands jurisdiction and is the only existing potential emergency bypass route during Mamalahoa Highway blockages.

Requires participating agencies to submit a report to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2021 describing their improvement plan and emergency protocol.

Directs certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Hawaiian Homes Commission Chairperson, Director of Transportation, Mayor of Hawaii County, Hawaii County Council Chairperson, and relevant county department heads.