Bill > SB1658

This bill establishes a new mechanism for collecting and allocating traffic infraction fine proceeds specifically for counties with a population between 150,000 and 175,000 (which appears to target Maui County). Beginning July 1, 2025, 100% of fines from uncontested traffic infractions in such counties will be transmitted to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and deposited into a new "county progress subaccount" within the State Highway Fund. Initially, these funds will be allocated to the Lahaina Bypass North Project, and after that project's substantial completion, the money will be used for state-designated critical highway projects within the same county. An uncontested traffic infraction is defined as one where a person answers a notice of infraction in a specific manner outlined in existing law. The bill provides a targeted funding mechanism to support transportation infrastructure development in a specific county, likely as part of ongoing recovery and improvement efforts following significant events (such as the Lahaina wildfires). The bill is technically set to take effect on July 1, 2050, though the substantive provisions are meant to begin in 2025, which suggests a potential technical error in the final section of the bill.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1658&year=2026