HI SCR55

Department of Transportation directed to convene a task force to study feasibility of alternate emergency access routes for the Hanalei to Haena communities in Kauai County.

Task force must include representatives from 11 stakeholder groups including Hanalei Business Association, County of Kauai, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Study addresses repeated isolation events caused by flooding and landslides, including 2018 and 2021 incidents that cut off communities from vital services, emergency access, and economic activity for weeks at a time.

Potential alternate routes to be evaluated include a previous access road currently used for utility lines and roads across U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands.

Department of Transportation must submit findings, recommendations, proposed legislation, and budget estimates to the Legislature no later than 20 days before the 2023 Regular Session convenes.