STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3234

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 2526

H.D. 2

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 2526, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Increase the penalty for a third or subsequent offense involving the unauthorized driving or operation of motor vehicles to a class C felony; and

(2) Authorize the court, as part of the person's sentencing for the third or subsequent offense, to order that the vehicle used by the person in the commission of the offense be subject to forfeiture.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu and three individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender.

Your Committee finds that overall traffic fatalities and injuries have increased in recent years throughout the State. Your Committee further finds that there has also been a dramatic increase in traffic violations committed by repeat offenders, including driving without a license and speeding. This measure will prioritize the safety of Hawaii residents by creating greater deterrents for those who engage in dangerous driving behaviors.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making it effective on July 1, 2024.

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 H.B. No. 2526, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2526, H.D. 2, 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