HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION ISSUES REQUEST TO EXTEND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON ENERGY SECURITY AND WASTE REDUCTION PLAN

News Release from Hawaii House of Representatives, July 21, 2025

Honolulu, Hawaiʻi – In response to a surge of public concern surrounding the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation’s (HDOT) draft Energy Security and Waste Reduction Plan, Representative Darius K. Kila has issued a formal request to extend the public comment period and expand public engagement efforts.  

The request, submitted via letter to HDOT Director Ed Sniffen and Energy Security & Community Outreach Manager Laura Ka‘akua, was signed by eight of the nine members of the House Committee on Transportation in a bipartisan effort to strengthen community input and legislative transparency.  

“Many residents across the state have shared that the proposed timeline for public comment is simply too short to allow for broad and meaningful participation,” said Representative Darius K. Kila, Chair of the House Transportation Committee. “These are major, long-range proposals that touch every part of daily life, from how we commute and travel to how goods are shipped, and services are accessed. The public deserves more time and more opportunities to be heard.” 

Key Requests:  

The letter dated July 17, 2025, calls on HDOT to: 

• Extend the public comment deadline by 30 days, through Friday, August 30, 2025; and 
• Host additional virtual and in-person informational sessions, especially targeting rural, underserved, and transportation-vulnerable communities. 

The lawmakers acknowledged the department’s leadership in advancing decarbonization and climate resilience but stressed that the plan’s scope, including proposals such as a 20% statewide reduction in vehicle miles traveled, fleet electrification, reduced reliance on aviation and cruise fuels, and market-based fossil fuel policies, warrants deeper community dialogue.  

“This isn’t just a policy document. These proposals will have real and lasting impacts on families, kūpuna, workers, and businesses across Hawai‘i,” Kila added. “The best plans are those built with the community, not handed down to them.”  

While expressing support for Hawai‘i’s long-term climate goals, the lawmakers urged a process rooted in equity, economic feasibility, and transparency. They noted that many communities, especially in rural areas like the Waiʻanae Coast and our neighbor islands, have limited options when vehicle use is restricted.  

“This is about getting it right. That means ensuring those most affected by the changes are given the time and space to weigh in," said Chair Kila.  

How the Public Can Participate:  

The public is still encouraged to review the plan and submit comments via the HDOT platform. Review the plan here: https://highways.hidot.hawaii.gov/stories/s/h9gp-xxmt?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery  

The current deadline for comments is Wednesday, July 31, 2025. If the proposed extension is approved, the new deadline would be August 30, 2025. 

Kila and committee members reaffirmed their commitment to working with HDOT and all stakeholders to shape a climate-resilient transportation future that is grounded in community, affordability, and access for all. 

--- 30 ---

BACKGROUND: Lawsuit Settlement will Impose ‘Big Expense’ on Your ‘fuel, groceries, and airfare’