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SCR 80

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 requests its transportation and law enforcement departments study creating a dedicated state highway police force for improved road safety enforcement.

Referred to TRS/PSM.
#departmentoflawenforcement #departmentoftransportation #statehighwaypolice
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Bill Summary · SCR 80

Legislative bill overview

SCR 80 is a concurrent resolution requesting Hawaii's Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement to collaborate on establishing a state highway police force. This is a request for study and collaboration rather than a mandate to create the force, leaving implementation decisions to the two departments.

Why is this important

Highway safety and traffic enforcement are significant public safety concerns. Currently, Hawaii may rely on local police departments or other agencies for highway patrol duties. A dedicated state highway police force could standardize enforcement, improve response times on major roads, and address potential gaps in coverage—though it would also require new funding and staffing resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding: Creating a new law enforcement agency requires substantial budget allocation for salaries, equipment, training, and facilities that would compete with other state priorities
  • Jurisdictional overlap: Questions about how a state highway police force would coordinate with existing county police departments and what enforcement authority boundaries would look like
  • Necessity and alternatives: Debate over whether a new agency is needed versus expanding existing agencies' capacity or modernizing current highway enforcement systems

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

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