WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SCR 217

URGING THE COUNTIES TO SEEK REVENUES FROM ALTERNATIVE SOURCES, INCLUDING TRANSIT-BASED ADVERTISING, BEFORE IMPOSING ANY NEW OR INCREASED MASS TRANSIT FARE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kurt Fevella and 4 co-sponsors

Urges Hawaii counties to seek alternative revenues, including transit advertising, before imposing or raising mass transit fares; supports ad limits and cross-agency coordination.

Referred to EIG/TCA.
#counties #masstransit #revenues #transit-basedadvertising
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SCR 217

Summary of SCR 217 (Concurrent Resolution)

A Hawaii Senate and House Concurrent Resolution urging counties to seek revenues from alternative sources, including transit-based advertising, before imposing any new or increased mass transit fares.

Purpose and Intent

  • Promote alternative revenue strategies for Hawaii’s counties to address rising operating and maintenance costs of mass transit.
  • Emphasize that fare increases or new fares should be a last resort due to the financial burden on riders and the goal of keeping public transit accessible to people with all income levels.
  • Encourage counties to consider transit-based advertising as a revenue stream and to place reasonable restrictions on advertising content and format.

Key Provisions

  • The counties are urged to seek revenues from alternative sources, including transit-based advertising, before imposing any new or increased mass transit fare.
  • For counties that adopt transit-based advertising, they are encouraged to implement reasonable restrictions on:
    • Advertisement format
    • Size
    • Material
    • Content
  • The resolution directs that certified copies be transmitted to the mayors, county councils, relevant transportation agencies, and transportation directors across Hawaii’s counties (Big Island, Maui, Kauai, and the City and County of Honolulu) as well as the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART).

Affected Parties and Stakeholders

  • Counties: Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, Kauai, and City and County of Honolulu.
  • County transportation agencies and authorities: Hawaii Mass Transit Administrator, Maui Department of Transportation, Kauai County Transportation Agency, City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services, and HART.
  • Private and governmental advertisers: Potential users of transit-based advertising revenue.
  • General public transit riders: Beneficiaries of a potential reduction or delay in fare increases due to alternative funding.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: March 7, 2025.
  • Status: Referred to Economic Impact and Government Operations (EIG) and Transportation (TCA) committees.
  • Date of referred action: March 12, 2025.
  • Nature of measure: Concurrent resolution (not a law; expresses legislative intent and policy guidance).

Related Legislative Context

  • Companion bill: SR 192 (Senate counterpart).
  • Sponsors include primary: Kidani, Gabbard, Fevella; and cosponsors: Hashimoto, Wakai.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Signals legislative support for exploring non-fare revenue to sustain mass transit.
  • Could accelerate consideration or adoption of transit-based advertising programs by counties.
  • May influence policies on advertising content and placement, ensuring community standards and material restrictions.
  • As a resolution, it does not force counties to implement advertising, but it creates a directive to consider it before raising fares.

Notes

  • Policy aim: balance financial sustainability of mass transit with affordability and accessibility for riders.
  • The resolution requests coordination among multiple county agencies and officials to evaluate revenue options.

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

Sign in to ask a question.