H.R. 9 Summary

• Requests the Director of Transportation to establish the Makakilo Drive Extension Task Force to address delays in constructing the Makakilo Drive Extension Project.

• Task force composition includes the Director of Transportation (chairperson), City and County of Honolulu representative, Honolulu City Council Chairperson, one Senate member appointed by the Senate President, one House member appointed by the House Speaker, local business representative, five Makakilo area residents, and other individuals deemed necessary.

• Task force must identify and evaluate key issues delaying construction, develop a comprehensive action plan, identify potential funding sources (federal, state, and private), engage community input, and submit findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2026 Regular Session.

• Addresses concerns that Makakilo currently has only one evacuation route, creating safety risks highlighted by recent Maui wildfires, and that the extension project has been stalled for decades despite being critical for traffic relief and emergency access.