THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	792
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to transportation.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that many residents throughout the State have submitted complaints regarding the growing noise pollution and disturbance from loud mufflers on motor vehicles, primarily motorcycles. They claim that the noise level adversely affects their sleep, particularly in the early morning hour or late at night. The noise may have impacts on public health and safety, as well as peaceful enjoyment and quality of life.

The legislature further finds that while existing law prohibits vehicle owners from installing mufflers that increase the noise of their vehicle, the penalties are minimal and do little to deter violators of the existing muffler laws, and in fact, violators are known to add the enhanced noise mufflers after they have passed the county vehicle safety check.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to enhance the current laws by increasing the fines that may be issued for violation of the loud muffler laws.

SECTION 2. Section 291-23, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§291-23 Penalty. Whoever is convicted of violating any of the provisions of section 291-22 shall be fined not more than [$100.] $300."

SECTION 3. Section 291-24, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

"(c) Whoever violates this section shall be fined not more than [$100.] $300."

SECTION 4. Section 291-24.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

"(b) Any violation of this section shall constitute a violation and shall be enforceable by police officers. The fine for this violation shall be not less than [$25] $100 nor more than [$250] $300 for each separate offense. Any person who violates the provisions of this section may be issued a summons or citation for such violation."

SECTION 5. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

SECTION 6. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Vehicles; Motorcycles; Motor Scooters; Noise Emission; Mufflers; Fines

Description:

Increases the minimum and potential maximum fine for violating certain provisions relating to the installation of a noisy muffler.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.