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GM 1399

Informing the Legislature that on July 3, 2025, the Governor returned the following bill without approval: HB235 HD1 SD1 CD1

2025 Regular Session

Governor Green vetoed HB 235, which aimed to enhance North Shore traffic safety, citing concerns over methodology and program integrity, impacting local safety efforts.

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Bill Summary · GM 1399

Summary of GM 1399: Veto of HB 235 HD1 SD1 CD1

Bill Information:
- Bill Number: GM 1399
- Title: Informing the Legislature that on July 3, 2025, the Governor returned the following bill without approval: HB 235 HD1 SD1 CD1
- Status: Received
- Introduced: July 3, 2025
- Classification: Proclamation
- Subject: Veto of HB 235 HD1 SD1 CD1

Purpose and Intent

GM 1399 serves as a formal notification from Governor Josh Green, M.D., to the Hawaii State Legislature regarding his decision to veto House Bill 235 (HB 235). The intent of HB 235 was to enhance traffic safety measures on the North Shore of Oahu by implementing automated traffic enforcement systems.

Key Provisions of HB 235

The original provisions of HB 235 included:

  1. Expansion of Traffic Safety Systems:

    • Required the Department of Transportation (DOT) to expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems specifically to locations on the North Shore of Oahu.
    • Mandated public education efforts by the City and County of Honolulu regarding these traffic enforcement systems prior to their implementation.

  2. Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee:

    • Authorized the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee to prioritize infrastructure safety projects for schools adjacent to Kamehameha Highway.

  3. Reporting Requirements:

    • The DOT was required to submit a progress report on the implementation of these systems to the legislature no later than twenty days before the convening of the regular session in 2026.

Governor's Objections

Governor Green's objections to HB 235 were based on the following points:

  • Lack of Methodology: The bill's approach to selecting locations for the traffic enforcement systems did not align with the established statewide methodology used by the DOT, which considers factors such as traffic volume, crash statistics, and citation data.
  • Integrity of Programs: The Governor expressed concern that bypassing the DOT's criteria could undermine the effectiveness and integrity of the traffic safety programs.

Impact of the Veto

  • Affected Parties: The veto impacts residents and visitors of the North Shore of Oahu, particularly those concerned with traffic safety and pedestrian protection.
  • Future Considerations: The veto indicates a need for alignment between legislative proposals and existing state methodologies for traffic safety, suggesting that future bills may need to incorporate DOT's criteria to gain approval.

Procedural Aspects

  • Date of Veto: The veto was officially communicated on July 3, 2025.
  • Legislative Response: The bill was received by the legislature on the same day, marking the beginning of any potential discussions or actions regarding the veto.

In summary, GM 1399 highlights the Governor's decision to veto HB 235, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established methodologies in traffic safety legislation. The veto reflects a commitment to ensuring that traffic enforcement measures are implemented effectively and based on data-driven criteria.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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