STAND. COM. REP. NO.1095-02

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2002

RE: H.R. No. 136

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.R. No. 136 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO CONVENE A TASK FORCE TO EXAMINE WAYS TO CONTROL THE USE OF MOTORIZED SCOOTERS AND OTHER MOTORIZED DEVICES ON SIDEWALKS, HIGHWAYS, AND PUBLIC AREAS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this resolution is to request the Department of Transportation (DOT) to convene a task force to examine ways to control the use of motorized scooters and other motorized devices on sidewalks, highways, and public areas.

The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) and several concerned citizens testified in support of this measure. DOT supported the intent of this measure.

A concerned citizen commented on this measure.

Recent increases in the use of gas-powered scooters, motorized razors, and other motorized devices, especially by younger riders, have prompted numerous complaints to neighborhood boards and HPD. As a result of indiscriminate use of motorized vehicles, a danger appears to exist among pedestrians, bicyclists, and the elderly who use the sidewalks where motorized devices are often operated. Currently, Hawaii law does not regulate the use of such devices which often leaves HPD powerless to address safety concerns.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 136 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

 

____________________________

JOSEPH M. SOUKI, Chair