Isle highway upgrades, fee hikes deserve support
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The prospect of paying about $170 more annually in taxes to fund a massive upgrade of state highways is painful at a time of economic uncertainty.
What rescues the state's $4 billion plan, however, is that the taxpayers won't be hit with the bill until the economy improves. Assuming the state follows through on promises to stay accountable to the taxpayers, lawmakers should give it a green light.
The state has compiled a list of 183 projects to be built over six years, work that will be financed through bonds to be repaid ultimately through a boost in the taxes and fees.
Increases are planned in:
These charges are a reasonable price to pay for smoother, faster commutes and enhanced public safety.
In addition, the Lingle administration was wise to ensure that the fee increases don't add an undue burden to a crippled economy. It would take job growth of 1 percent over two consecutive quarters to trigger the increases.
The projects include heavy construction jobs such as an additional lane at the choked Middle Street merge of the H-1 and airport viaduct, and a two-lane flyover along Nimitz Highway. But the list also includes needed intersection redesigns aimed at boosting vehicular and pedestrian safety, as well as additions to the bike-lane network, all worthwhile improvements.
And there would be enabling legislation for intersection cameras that would enable better enforcement of laws against running red lights. All are aimed at curbing Hawai'i's dismal record of traffic deaths, including pedestrian fatalities, improvements that are long overdue.
State Department of Transportation officials hope taxpayers also realize the investment in better roads ultimately will save time and money, with less gas wasted in traffic and vehicle wear and tear on roads in dire need of repair.
It's encouraging to see that DOT already is planning to involve the public through town meetings and an interactive Web site. A preliminary launch is targeted for the end of this week, linked off the department portal site (hawaii.gov/dot).
The finished site will enable visitors to weigh in on various projects through talk-back features. And the DOT plans to include updates on how much revenue is being generated, so the public can gauge if the financial plan is working out.
Lawmakers should see that taxpayers also are able to track which companies get the contracts. Allowing the public to follow the progress of the work provides some accountability, but the way the contracts are handled should be transparent as well.
If the state can assure that money is being spent to the benefit of public safety and a more efficient commute, those would be enhancements worth the price.
