STAND. COM. REP. NO. 358

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                  

 

RE:    S.B. No. 822

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.B. No. 822 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO REBUILT VEHICLES,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to include flood damage and material damage to a motor vehicle's electronics in the definition of "rebuilt vehicles".

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company.

 

     Your Committee finds that under existing law, a vehicle that is declared a total loss can only be subject to a branded "rebuilt vehicle" title if there is material damage to its frame, unitized structure, or suspension system, and the cost to repair is greater than the vehicle's market value.  When a vehicle is branded with a rebuilt title, it warns future purchasers that the car has been declared a total loss and might have hidden defects that could affect its operation.  However, existing law does not require a car that has sustained significant flood damage to be considered a rebuilt vehicle.

 

     Your Committee further finds that due to the technological advancement made in cars and the constant and heavy rain in Hawaii, an amendment to existing law covering rebuilt vehicles is necessary to account for damage to a motor vehicle's electronics, which is often caused by flooding.  This measure would add flood damage and damage to electronics to the definition of a rebuilt vehicle, which will offer consumer protection and ensure the safety of all.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 822 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health.

 

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

 

 

 

________________________________

LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair