STAND. COM. REP. NO. 237-22

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2022

RE: H.B. No. 1486

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1486 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THEFT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to include the theft of a motor vehicle in the offense of theft in the first degree.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Honolulu Police Department, Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of the County of Hawaii, and four individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender.

Your Committee finds that there is growing public support for the increase of penalties related to theft of a motor vehicle. This measure ensures that offenders receive an appropriate sentence that reflects the seriousness of the offense and provides adequate deterrence for future criminal activity.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Specifically including the theft of a motorcycle or moped to the offense of theft in the first degree;

(2) Changing the effective date to January 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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 H.B. No. 1486, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1486, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

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

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair