H.B. 832 Summary

• Establishes a road connectivity task force within the Department of Transportation to assess and improve road access in rural areas and subdivisions with substandard roads statewide.

• Task force shall evaluate roadways for emergency response challenges, identify alternate routes during road closures, determine road connectivity improvements for public safety, and develop strategies for emergency access during floods, fires, and other emergencies.

• Task force membership includes the Director of Transportation (chair), Director of the Office of Planning, representatives from each county's planning, fire, police, and emergency medical services departments, and members appointed by the Senate President and Speaker of the House.

• Task force must submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2024 regular legislative session convenes.

• Task force members serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses; the task force is exempt from Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 92 (open meetings law) and shall dissolve after submitting its report or twenty days before the 2024 session, whichever occurs first.