STAND. COM. REP. NO. 179

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 1291

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.B. No. 1291 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

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

(2) Exempt motorcycles and motor scooters with a partial enclosed cab, in addition to those with a full body enclosed cab, from the safety helmet requirement.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Arcimoto and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Transportation.

Your Committee finds that electric three-wheeled vehicles are a promising source of affordable emissions-free vehicles for Hawaii residents. However, because this type of vehicle typically uses handlebars in lieu of a steering wheel in order to reduce the weight of the vehicle, they do not fall under the statutory definition of an autocycle. This measure will amend the definition of "motorcycle," which includes the definition of an "autocycle," so that vehicles with handlebars and three wheels can meet the definition. Additionally, this measure amends the exemption from the safety helmet requirement provided that the vehicle has a roll bar, a roll cage, or full body enclosed cab.

Your Committee has amended this measure by replacing the "partial or full body enclosed cab" exception with "roll bar, roll cage, or full body enclosed cab."

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. 1291, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1291, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

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

________________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair