STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1671

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: S.B. No. 1291

S.D. 1

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 1291, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Include autocycles equipped with handlebars in the definition of motorcycle in the Highway Safety Act; and

(2) Exempt motorcycles and motor scooters with a roll bar or roll cage from the safety helmet requirement.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation; Arcimoto; Forth; StrataG Consulting, LLC; and four individuals.

Your Committee finds that existing law is unclear whether certain three-wheeled electric vehicles that use handlebar steering in place of a steering wheel are classified as motorcycles or autocycles. As a result, operators of these vehicles must obtain a motorcycle endorsement for operation, even though the vehicles handle very similar to front wheel drive automobiles. This measure clarifies that electric vehicles with three wheels and handlebars can be operated with a general class 3 driver's license.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1291, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair