HI SR50

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

Cites 2018 flooding and landslides that isolated Hanalei Valley for several weeks and Haena/Wainiha communities for longer, and a 2021 landslide that cut off the entire Hanalei area for approximately two weeks.

Identifies potential alternate access routes including a previous access road currently used for electric utility lines and utility substations, and routes over United States Fish and Wildlife Service lands.

Requires task force input from 11 stakeholders including the 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.

Requires the Department of Transportation to submit findings, recommendations, proposed legislation, and appropriation estimates to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2023 Regular Session.