STAND. COM. REP. NO. 742

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                   

 

RE:     S.B. No. 385

        S.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection, to which was referred S.B. No. 385, S.D. 1, entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish registration requirements and driver's licensing requirements for the operation of electric rickshaws.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

 

     Your Committee finds that there is a growing need for cost-effective transportation alternatives to combat rising fuels costs and curb vehicle carbon emissions in the State.  Your Committee further finds that the electric rickshaw, also know as the tuk-tuk or e-tuk, is a popular and commonly used vehicle in India and other Southeast Asian nations that readily provide transport, taxi, and delivery services for visitors and residents.  This measure allows for individuals or parties to register and operate an electric rickshaw on a public street, road, or highway in the State with a valid type 3 driver's license and sets certain safety requirements and parameters regarding the operation of electric rickshaws.

 

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 385, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection,

 

 

 

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JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair