STAND. COM. REP. NO. 239

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 587

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.B. No. 587 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) Increase the minimum and maximum fines for violating provisions relating to the installation of noisy mufflers; and

(2) Authorize police officers with probable cause to stop vehicles with noisy mufflers to inspect their mufflers.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from 808 Streets, Ohana Tinting LLC, Specialty Equipment Market Association, and eighty-four individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that many residents throughout the State have complained of the growing noise pollution and disturbances from loud mufflers on motor vehicles, predominantly motorcycles. The complaints claim that the noise level adversely affects sleep, particularly in the early morning hours or late at night. While existing state law currently prohibits vehicle owners from installing mufflers that increase the noise of the vehicle, penalties are minimal and do little to deter individuals from violating current muffler laws. Your Committee recognizes that protecting public health and safety, while improving the quality of life for all Hawaii residents, is a priority of the Legislature. Therefore, this measure will enhance the State's current muffler laws by increasing minimum and maximum fines for violations, as well as the increase of enforcement efforts.

Your Committee has amended this measure by inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 587, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 587, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

________________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair