STAND. COM. REP. NO. 677

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 Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 1291, 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:

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

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

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation; Arcimoto, Inc.; StrataG Consulting, LLC; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that electric three-wheeled vehicles that are similar to motorcycles are becoming more and more popular in Hawaii. Your Committee further finds that electric three—wheeled vehicles are a promising source of affordable emissions—free vehicles for Hawaii residents. Currently, there is some confusion as to whether these vehicles are classified as motorcycles or autocycles and which types of license is required to drive them. 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 and be operated with a general class 3 driver's license.

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

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

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KARL RHOADS, Chair