WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 70

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT TO COLLABORATE TO ESTABLISH A STATE HIGHWAY POLICE FORCE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Elefante

Hawaii resolution requests collaboration to create a dedicated state highway police force for specialized road safety and traffic enforcement.

Offered.
#departmentoflawenforcement #departmentoftransportation #statehighwaypolice
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 70

Legislative bill overview

SR 70 is a resolution requesting that Hawaii's Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement collaborate to establish a dedicated state highway police force. This would create a specialized law enforcement agency focused on highway safety and traffic enforcement, separate from existing state police structures.

Why is this important

Highway policing affects public safety, traffic enforcement consistency, and resource allocation across the state. A dedicated highway police force could improve response times on major routes and provide specialized training for high-speed and complex traffic incidents, but would also involve significant budgetary and organizational restructuring.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: Establishing a new law enforcement agency requires substantial budget allocation, staff recruitment, training, and equipment—details not specified in the resolution
  • Organizational overlap: Hawaii may already have highway enforcement capacity through existing agencies, raising questions about whether a new force eliminates redundancy or creates it
  • Jurisdictional clarity: The relationship between a new highway police force and existing state and county law enforcement would need clear definition to avoid confusion and operational conflicts

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

Sign in to ask a question.