The state House Transportation Committee on Wednesday passed, with amendments, a bill that would require site surveys to identify the most suitable location for a Puna Makai Access Road to relieve traffic congestion on Highway 130.
The vote was 8-0, with one committee member excused, in favor of House Bill 1403, which was introduced by Puna Rep. Greggor Ilagan, the panel’s vice chairman.
At the request of William Aila Jr., the Hawaiian Homes Commission chairman, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands-owned property was excluded from consideration in the bill.
“We understand that there are some funding issues here, but I’d like to keep this measure moving for consideration on an ongoing discussion,” said Rep. Henry J.C. Aquino, a leeward Oahu Democrat and the committee’s chairman.
Aquino said the committee would be “adding some technical amendments” and added an effective date of July 1, 2050, which would keep the bill alive for purposes of discussion.
The House Finance Committee, the only other committee the measure has been referred to, hadn’t scheduled a hearing on the legislation as of Wednesday afternoon.
In response to a question by Aquino, Deputy Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen said the cost of a site survey would be “about $1.5 million to $2 million.”
“This is based on the project cost of about $200 million,” Sniffen said. “And in general, that would be a big lift for the department to push towards a county project. But that being said, I should mention that the county, at this time, is getting an (appropriation) of about $6.5 million or so of federal funds.”
Seventy-three pages of written testimony on the bill were received by the committee, mostly in favor.
Those submitting favorable testimony include Mayor Mitch Roth, County Council Chairwoman Maile Medeiros David and Ulupono Initiative.
Those in opposition include the Keaukaha-Panaewa Farmers Association, and numerous individuals who identified themselves as DHHL beneficiaries.
Some said they would favor an alternative access road if DHHL-owned lands were removed from consideration.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
