Transportation

Renames the Electric Bicycle and Electric Moped Rebate Program to the Electric Mobility Rebate Program. Expands eligibility and amends the maximum rebate amounts. Allows for the registration of class 3 electric bicycles that have wheels smaller than twenty inches and that are intended for adult use. Establishes safe riding behaviors for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of high-speed electric devices in certain locations. Establishes labeling and signage requirements for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of a moped or electric motorcycle in certain locations. Amends the definition of "bicycle" for purposes of county vehicular taxes. Defines "electric micro-mobility device" and requires the same regulations as electric foot scooters to apply to electric micro-mobility devices. Prohibits a person under the age of sixteen from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Authorizes a person under the age of fourteen to operate class 2 electric bicycles under supervision. Prohibits a person from riding a class 3 electric bicycle on a sidewalk. Authorizes a person to ride a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle on a sidewalk under certain circumstances. Prohibits a person from operating a bicycle or electric foot scooter under the age of eighteen without a helmet. Repeals the requirement that moped drivers use bicycle lanes. Changes the term "motor scooter" to "motor‑driven vehicle".

HB 1480 requires new housing projects developed under a specific state housing program (HRS § 201H-38) to be located within areas designated by counties as transit-oriented zones - meaning areas near public transportation hubs. This directly affects developers building qualifying housing projects and county governments responsible for designating these zones. The bill's key provision mandates that all such projects must be situated within these pre-approved transit-accessible locations. It applies to housing developments meeting the criteria outlined in Hawaii Revised Statutes § 201H-38, without altering existing housing program eligibility.

Authorizes the Director of Transportation to designate as a toll road, and impose toll charges for the use of, any existing state highway. Requires the Director of Transportation to designate as a toll road a certain portion of Hana Highway. Requires the Department of Transportation to develop a plan to exempt resident vehicle operators from the imposition of toll charges for the use of Hana Highway.

Makes an emergency appropriation out of the State Highway Fund to provide funds for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the Department of Transportation to enforce the Motor Carrier Law. (SD1)

Requires the Department of Transportation to plan and design an expansion of the runway at Molokai Airport to accommodate larger aircraft. Requires the Department of Transportation to submit a report to the Legislature. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2077. (SD1)

SB 280 amends the crime of "negligent injury in the first degree" to specifically include injuries caused by drivers who were intoxicated. This change directly affects drivers who cause physical harm while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The bill expands the legal definition so that such incidents are prosecuted under this specific offense, rather than potentially less severe charges. The measure aims to strengthen accountability for intoxicated drivers who cause injury, without changing sentencing levels or creating new penalties.

Establishes within the Department of Transportation a three-year Molokai Air Carrier Subsidy Pilot Program to provide subsidies to airlines operating out of Molokai Airport. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Appropriates funds out of the State Highway Fund for deposit into the Automated Speed Enforcement Systems Program Special Fund and appropriates funds out of the Automated Speed Enforcement Systems Program Special Fund for fiscal year 2026-2027. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Requires certain applicants for driver's license renewal to complete an educational course that includes a road safety video developed by the Department of Transportation and a written examination. Authorizes the Department to develop and implement a system to randomly require applicants for renewal of a driver's license to complete a written examination. Requires a report to the Legislature. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)

Authorizes the issuance of general obligation bonds for the purchase of the real property located at 64-486 Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore of Oahu. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)