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GM 1320

Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB934 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 218).

2025 Regular Session

Act 218 boosts Hawaii's mass transit fund by $572.7M to support the Honolulu rail project, ensuring better financial management and project completion.

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Bill Summary · GM 1320

Summary of GM 1320: Informing the Legislature of Act 218

Bill Number: GM 1320
Title: Informing the Legislature that on June 25, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB934 SD2 HD1 CD1 (ACT 218)
Status: Received
Introduced: June 25, 2025
Classification: Proclamation
Subject: Act 218

Purpose and Intent

GM 1320 serves as a formal notification to the Hawaii State Legislature that the Governor has signed into law Act 218, which is derived from Senate Bill 934 (SB934). The primary intent of Act 218 is to address financial management issues related to the mass transit special fund, particularly to facilitate the completion of the Honolulu rail transit project.

Key Provisions

  1. Increase in Special Fund Ceiling:

    • The Act increases the expenditure ceiling for the mass transit special fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026.
    • This adjustment aims to utilize carry-over balances effectively and prevent future shortfalls in funding.

  2. Funding Appropriation:

    • An appropriation of $572,695,000 from the mass transit special fund is authorized for fiscal year 2025-2026.
    • These funds are designated for disbursements related to the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation's 2022 recovery plan.

  3. Project Prioritization:

    • The Act mandates a preliminary analysis of financing options for a park-and-ride facility adjacent to the Pearl Highlands rail transit station, to be completed by January 1, 2026.
    • Remaining project cash balances after the completion of the minimum operating segment will be prioritized for:
      • Planning and design of the park-and-ride facility.
      • Extension of the rail line to Ala Moana.

  4. Financial Context:

    • The estimated cost for the overall rail transit project is approximately $9 billion, with significant contributions expected from both federal and state sources.

Impact

  • Affected Entities:

    • The primary beneficiaries of this legislation include the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, the Department of Budget and Finance, and the commuting public in Central Oahu and North Shore areas.

  • Financial Management:

    • The increase in the special fund ceiling is expected to enhance the financial sustainability of the Honolulu rail transit project by allowing for better allocation and utilization of available funds.

Procedural Aspects

  • Effective Date: The provisions of Act 218 will take effect on July 1, 2025.
  • Legislative Process: The bill was passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives on April 30, 2025, before being signed into law by the Governor on June 25, 2025.

In summary, GM 1320 is a proclamation that highlights the signing of Act 218, which aims to improve the financial management and operational capacity of the mass transit special fund in Hawaii, facilitating the ongoing development of the Honolulu rail transit project.

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

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