HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.R. NO.

155

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

HOUSE RESOLUTION

 

 

requesting a study on the feasibility of an open road racing event ON OAHU.

 

 

 


     WHEREAS, there is substantial interest in holding open road racing events for motor vehicles on the island of Oahu; and

 

     WHEREAS, open road racing is a high speed race driven on closed public highways; competitors attempt to set certain speeds on a course of pre-determined length and to outrun each other for the victory; and

 

     WHEREAS, in Nevada, where open road racing is legal, there are strict rules and requirements for each open road race; for example, at the Silver State Classic Challenge each class of cars specifies the safety equipment levels required for cars, drivers, navigators, and a maximum speed, which may not be exceeded for each individual class; and

 

     WHEREAS, there is a strong auto racing culture in many countries, in the United States, and particularly in California; and

 

     WHEREAS, to avoid illegal open road racing that often endangers the public, legal open road racing events in strictly controlled environments may provide a safe alternative acceptable to drivers, fans, and the public; and

 

     WHEREAS, the Legislature finds that an objective, reasoned examination of issues relating to open road racing would assist members in resolving this matter; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2007, that the City and County of Honolulu Department of Transportation Services and the state Department of Transportation are requested to conduct a study on the feasibility of holding open road racing events; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation Services of the City and County of Honolulu and the state Department of Transportation are requested to include in the study the following:

 

     (1)  Analyze the feasibility of open road racing events on the island of Oahu, including the location of possible sites for racing courses, spectator stands, and any concessions or services;

 

     (2)  Draft rules and necessary legislation required to hold open road racing events;

 

     (3)  Analyze safety issues for the public and the participants and establish requirements to provide safe events;

 

     (4)  Determine the amount of fees to make each event self-sustaining, taking into account required manpower to set up each event, maintenance, and other issues; in particular, the amount of entry fee for race participants and for spectators;

 

     (5)  Assess the impact of road closure for open road races on traffic, including public transportation; and

 

     (6)  Analyze potential financial opportunities for the organizers, for example, fees generated for licenses for concession stands selling food, drinks, and other goods or services; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Director of Transportation, and the Mayor, the Chairperson of the Council, the Managing Director, and the Director of the Department of Transportation Services of the City and County of Honolulu.

 

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

Report Title: 

Study on Feasibility of Open Road Racing