What’s up with the implementation of SRTS HB 600 / Act 244 (2023)?

In May of 2023, the legislature passed HB 600, a comprehensive bill meant to improve Safe Routes to School (SRTS) efforts in Hawaiʻi. Governor Josh Green signed the bill into law on July 6, 2023, as Act 244 (2023). This is cause for celebration, as this legislation:

• Allocates $20 million to Safe Routes to School (SRTS)  programs and projects.
• Requires the appointment of task force that will guide implementation of SRTS programs and projects.
• Directs Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation to hire a SRTS Coordinator who will be responsible for implementing the SRTS programs and Projects.

A network of SRTS practitioners and advocates have been following the implementation of this legislation closely, and are eager to collaborate with the state of Hawaʻi to implement Act 244.

On October 3, 2023, they sent the following letter to the Director of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Transportation requesting an update, coinciding with the start of Walk and Roll to School Month in Hawaiʻi (October). Response to the inquiry will be posted on this blog when it is received.

October 3, 2023

Aloha e Director Sniffen, Senator Lee, and Representative Todd:

As you know, October is Walk & Roll to School month. This moment is perfect to recognize the recent statewide Safe Routes to School legislative win. We are grateful for all of the collaborative work that went into the ultimate passage of Act 244 (2023). The passage of this law is a positive step toward increasing the safety of our roads from keiki to kūpuna. In order for the law to be successful, there are several components that need to be implemented. We are writing to inquire about those implementation pieces. 

As a group of Safe Routes to School practitioners and advocates, we are excited to collaborate with the designated groups and individuals who will be at the forefront of driving Safe Routes to Schools in our communities.  To achieve this safety, a full-time, funded Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School Coordinator position was created. This person will be integral in being the connector in the state. Furthermore, the County Coordinators will be able to speak to the specific needs of their communities. Finally, the Advisory Committee is key in ensuring the state Safe Routes to School program is developing long and short-term goals with clearly shared performance measures. This group is also responsible for publishing the goals as well as sharing the progress of meeting the goals and performance measures. The Advisory Committee will also provide technical assistance to counties and community organizations who are seeking to pursue projects and programs in their communities that will ultimately advance the safety goals of the county and state. 

We hope that you are able to provide us with your projected timeline for posting these positions as well as when the advisory committee members will be recommended and the process of bringing the group together will begin. We are looking forward to the work that lies ahead and to the opportunities for collaboration in the future. 

Again, thank you for all of the work that you have done to get Act 244 (2023) to this point. We look forward to hearing any updates on the progress toward implementing this law.  Please know we are here to answer any questions or support your work in any way possible.

With aloha,