HBL submitted testimony and tracked dozens of bills this legislative session. After more than two years of advocacy, education, and collaboration, Hawai‘i seems poised to enact a sweeping and foundational bill to regulate e-bikes and micro mobility devices. Another win this year, was a House Resolution that will help elevate policy conversations for multi use trails and connectivity on the North Shore of O‘ahu. Below is a brief update on these and a handful of other measures we are still tracking at the legislature. During conference period, bills will continually be rescheduled for conference until the get clearance from WAM/FIN or the clock runs out on the session.
HB2021, HD2, SD2, CD1 – The E-bike bill: After last year’s unexpected veto of HB958, this bill became the vehicle to provide much needed definitions and updates for statewide traffic code. House Transportation Chair Darius Kila worked with his colleagues to fast track the bill. After crossing over to the Senate last month, the bill was amended, at a joint TRS/EIG hearing on March 17th, in a way that would have enshrined restrictive DOE policy into law. HBL advocates and allies offered new testimony to the Judiciary Committee and directly to legislators in April. The outcome is a clean and comprehensive Committee Draft that at this writing is headed for final reading, and then hopefully to the Governor. Mahalo to everyone who testified for this bill over the last two years.
HR96 was adopted on April 9th. This resolution identifies the history of coastal trails on Oahu’s North Shore and calls for transportation stakeholders to collaborate towards strengthening this network. HBL has been working with a hui led by the North Shore Community Land Trust. They recently published a State of the Trails Report which will help guide continuing advocacy efforts for multi use trail connectivity on this part of O‘ahu.
SB3234, SD2, HD1 a bill that appropriates funds to the Department of Transportation to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties is pending clearance from FIN and WAM to determine the amount of funds. While HBL supported this measure, we are concerned that monies may be siphoned from the Safe Routes to School special fund, without SRTS Committee oversight.
HB2023, HD2, SD1 – This bill to requires the Department of Transportation to administer a statewide program for Active Intelligent Speed Assistance Systems with updates to the penal code and additional penalties for repeat offenders. The measure is pending clearance from FIN and WAM.
SB3029, SD1, HD2 – This bill would establish a Pilot Open Streets Program, administered by HCDA, in coordination with a neighbor island county and the DOH. A similar measure was considered in 2025 and earned wide support. However, it died in conference awaiting clearance from FIN and WAM.
While our movement for safer streets for all is focused across Hawai‘i, we also work with our colleagues at the League of American Bicyclists. At the Federal level, they’re monitoring transportation reauthorization in the U.S. Congress. Read more about this work here. This will change national transportation priorities with walking and biking potentially taking big hits, to advance cars and driving.
Please contact Advocacy Director Eduardo Hernandez if you have any questions, or would like additional information.