HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	117
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting the united states Department of Defense, United States Army, United States Navy, and state department of transportation to work with appropriate state and county departments and agencies to expand, plan, and coordinate work related to using kolekole pass as an expanded emergency exit route.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, Kolekole Pass, a historically significant and strategically located corridor through the Wai anae mountain range in N n kuli has long been recognized as a potential emergency evacuation route connecting the Leeward Coast to Central Oahu;

and

 

     WHEREAS, Kolekole Pass has been used historically for military operations and has played an important role in Hawaii's history, including serving as a critical route for military and emergency access; and

 

     WHEREAS, recent natural disasters, including the fires on Maui, have underscored the necessity of maintaining alternative evacuation routes to ensure the safety of residents in vulnerable communities; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Westside of O ahu faces limited road access, with Farrington Highway serving as the primary roadway for thousands of residents, leaving communities vulnerable to dangerous gridlocks during emergencies; and

 

     WHEREAS, the military has conducted multiple exercises in coordination with federal, state, and county agencies to evaluate the feasibility of Kolekole Pass as an emergency evacuation route, including full-scale exercises in February 2025, that tested its viability for civilian use; and

 

     WHEREAS, recent discussions between military and civilian leadership have indicated a willingness to consider Kolekole Pass for public use in emergency situations; provided appropriate planning, maintenance, and coordination are in place; and

 

     WHEREAS, the coordination of multiple federal, state, and county agencies is necessary to implement infrastructure improvements and establish protocols for civilian use of Kolekole Pass in emergencies; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the United States Department of Defense, United States Army, United States Navy, and State Department of Transportation are requested to work with appropriate state and county departments and agencies to expand, plan, and coordinate work to prepare and secure Kolekole Pass as an expanded emergency exit route for residents on the Westside of O ahu in the event of dangerous gridlocks, natural disasters, or unforeseen catastrophic emergencies; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the United States Secretary of Defense, Chief of Staff of the Army, Chief of Naval Operations, members of Hawaii's congressional delegation, Governor, Director of Transportation, and Administrator of Emergency Management for the City and County of Honolulu.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title: 

United States Department of Defense; United States Army; United States Navy; Kolekole Pass; Emergency Exit