HILO – The Hawai‘i County Council has passed Ordinance 24-98 (Bill 217), a new measure aimed at improving safety and managing traffic on specific highways used by commercial bicycle tours. The ordinance, which amends Chapter 6, Article 2, Section 6-12 of the Hawai‘i County Code, restricts commercial bicycle tours from operating on certain roadways that are deemed dangerous for cyclists.

The ordinance passed its second and final reading at the Council’s meeting on November 20, 2024, with unanimous support. Council members voting in favor included Evans, Galimba, Inaba, Kaneali’i-Kleinfelder, Kierkiewicz, Villegas, and Chair Kimball. Council Member Kagiwada was absent for the vote.

Under the new law, commercial bicycle tours are prohibited on sections of Kohala Mountain Road, specifically from the junction with Route 250 to Route 19, as well as on Akoni Pule Highway from the 25-mile marker to its terminus at the Pololū Valley Lookout. These stretches of road are often narrow, winding, and can pose significant hazards to cyclists and motorists alike.

Council members highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of both cyclists and drivers in these areas, noting that the restricted roadways are not suitable for the high volume of commercial bicycle traffic that has been increasing in recent years.

The passage of this ordinance follows growing concerns about accidents and safety on these roads, particularly during peak tourist seasons when commercial bicycle tours are more frequent. The County of Hawai‘i aims to balance the needs of the tourism industry with the safety of local residents and visitors.

As with all ordinances, this new law will be enforced by local authorities, with violators facing penalties for operating commercial bicycle tours on the prohibited roadways.

Alongside Ordinance 24-98, the Council also passed two other measures:

• Ordinance 24-97 (Bill 216): This ordinance adjusts the County’s Operating Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, to accommodate necessary financial adjustments. The bill passed unanimously and will guide the County’s financial operations for the year.
• Ordinance 24-99 (Bill 223): Like Ordinance 24-97, this ordinance also makes amendments to the County’s Operating Budget for fiscal year 2025, receiving unanimous approval from the Council.

These ordinances were passed as part of the Council’s ongoing work to address various concerns, including public safety and the County’s fiscal management. The enforcement of these new laws will be carried out by local authorities, and the County will continue to monitor their impact moving forward.