The Hawaii Department of Transportation announced on May 20 that it is seeking public comment after releasing its Draft Statewide Long-Range Land Transportation Plan and Draft Regional Long-Range Land Transportation Plans for Kauai, Hawaii Island, Molokai, and Lanai.
These plans are designed to guide transportation investment, policy, and decision-making in the state. They address challenges related to Hawaii’s island geography, changing mobility needs, climate risks, and funding concerns. The statewide plan is structured around six main goals.
The draft documents are available for review on the project website. The regional plans focus on each island’s unique transportation issues and opportunities while reflecting community values and geographic constraints. They also aim to improve coordination between state and county planning efforts. The regional plans for Oahu and Maui were developed by the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization (Oahu MPO) and Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization (Maui MPO), respectively.
Public engagement was a central part of developing these plans. Input from residents, agencies, and partners across the islands highlighted priorities such as improving safety, maintaining infrastructure, expanding multimodal options, and strengthening system resilience.
Comments can be submitted through an online form or via email until June 18. According to the official website, the Hawaii Department of Transportation manages facilities including multiple airports for domestic and international carriers as well as commercial harbors and a statewide highway system. It operates within the executive branch of the State of Hawaii government.
The department oversees 11 commercial service airports, four general aviation airports, nine commercial harbors, and over 2,400 lane miles of highways across all six major Hawaiian islands according to its official website. Its stated mission is to deliver a safe, efficient transportation system that supports mobility while fostering economic growth.
