STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1334

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2019

 

RE:   S.B. No. 824

      S.D. 1

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.B. No. 824, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO RENTALS OF MOPEDS AND MOTOR SCOOTERS,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to:

 

     (1)  Prohibit the operation of a moped or motor scooter leased from a rental company unless the operator is wearing a helmet, except in cases where the operator has a valid license to operate a motorcycle; and

 

     (2)  Prohibit rental of any moped or motor scooter with an aftermarket modification to its motor.

 

     The Department of Transportation, Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii Strategic Highway Safety Plan, Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition, lexislaw808, and numerous individuals testified in support of this measure.  Street Bikers United Hawaii and several individuals testified in opposition to this measure.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2050, to promote further discussion.

     Your Committee notes that a possible alternative to a safety helmet requirement would be a requirement that all moped and motor scooter operators complete a mandatory training program, or, in the case of visitors to the State, to provide proof that they have completed a similar program in their home state or country.  Your Committee recognizes that requiring training would ensure uniform knowledge of Hawaii's roads and hazards and promote greater safety for all riders.

 

     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. 824, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 824, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

____________________________

HENRY J.C. AQUINO, Chair