March 8, 2022

HB 1860 (2022) Relating to Catalytic Converters

During the 2022 Legislative Session, Rep. Sayama reintroduced a bill relating to catalytic converters. This bill aimed to stop the ongoing catalytic converter thefts in the State by adding more requirements for catalytic converter sales and increase the penalty of converter theft.
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January 8, 2022

COVID-19 Clinics



With the surge of the Omicron variant, Rep. Sayama partnered with Department of Health, Project Vision and other community organizations to host two COVID-19 clinics where they offered vaccinations, boosters and rapid testing. From the hard work and dilligence of the volunteers and staff, they were able to test and vaccinate hundreds of residents.
February 11, 2022

After School Care Program



Rep. Sayama visited schools within District 20 and spoke with the organizers in charge of the afterschool care programs; they discussed how COVID-19 has impacted the faculty and students, the application process parents undergo and how Rep. Sayama can better help with legislation.
February 4, 2022

Sterling Higa: Those Struggling To Get By Are Hardest Hit by Catalytic Converter Thefts

[Rep.] Sayama says he heard about catalytic converter theft from Alan Nakamura, the owner of Kaimuki Auto Repair. That conversation led Sayama to research catalytic converter theft, which he found was a problem not only in his district, but nationwide.

Last year, Sayama introduced HB 446, which sought to establish a new offense for theft of a catalytic converter. HB 446 also required businesses engaged in the sale or purchase of used motor vehicle parts to keep more detailed records and report attempted sales of undocumented parts to the police.

'It’s an incredibly disruptive crime to a working family,' says Sayama. He’s confident that a bill related to catalytic converter theft will pass this session. 'If not my bill, at least someone else’s.'

Sayama admits that his bill won’t eliminate catalytic converter theft, but it can help to eliminate the local market for catalytic converters. Local buyers act as a medium between thieves and the international buyers of precious metals, says Sayama. Increasing the friction of buying and selling decreases profits, and the added risk of criminal penalty should discourage would-be thieves.

'We’re just trying to make it a lot less attractive.'

To read the full article click here
April 5, 2021

Rep. Sayama Introduces Bill To Alleviate Catalytic Converter Thefts



Freshman Hawai'i State Rep. Jackson Sayama and several state lawmakers introduced House Bill 446 that would help alleviate the increasing thefts of catalytic converters from vehicles. The bill passed first reading in the House and has been assigned to committees. Catalytic converters contain precious metals that thieves steal and then sell as the price of metal skyrockets, according to police.

The bill calls for new requirements on the buyer and seller of catalytic converters and increases fines for violators. Businesses that buy used parts and metals would be required to refuse the purchase of used motor vehicle parts or accessories and report the attempted sale to police if a seller does not provide appropriate information at the time of the attempted sale.

The bill would help protect families dependent on their vehicles to go to work and take their children to school, said Sayama (D-20, St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimuki).

"Many families are already struggling with the pandemic and don't have an extra $1,000 to $2,000 to replace their stolen catalytic converter," Sayama said. "Just as the legislature cracked down on the theft of copper in 2013, we must place safeguards to prevent the illegal trade and theft of catalytic converters now."