HI SB2516

Amends Section 264-143, Hawaii Revised Statutes to establish new criteria for highway planning and design, including minimizing stormwater runoff, maximizing tree and foliage coverage to reduce urban heat and carbon sequestration, and finishing exposed hardened surfaces with standardized paint schemes.

Requires the Department of Transportation to assess and maximize total throughput of people across all transportation modes, reduce vehicle miles traveled, decrease single occupancy vehicle mode share, and achieve goals outlined in the state's complete streets and vision zero policies.

Establishes a Highway Standards Task Force within the Department of Transportation to guide implementation, funding, and maintenance of the new highway standards, composed of legislative appointees, agency representatives, and invited community organizations.

Task Force must report findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days before the regular sessions of 2023 and 2024, with the task force dissolving on June 30, 2024.

Takes effect upon approval.