HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1890
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to noise pollution.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that noise pollution is a serious problem affecting quality of life, particularly in urban areas. Internal combustion engine mopeds with factory mufflers are often many times louder than larger motorcycles that have greater engine displacement and robust exhaust baffles, and they continue to be a cause for concern in communities throughout the State.

The legislature further finds that internal combustion engine mopeds are significant contributors to noise pollution, often having higher noise levels than vehicles and detrimentally affecting communities. Internal combustion engine mopeds can be up to twenty decibels louder than electric mopeds. Additionally, the broad deployment of charging infrastructure is not an impediment to the adoption of electric mopeds because electric moped batteries can be easily removed and charged inside a residence or workplace.

The purpose of this Act is to prohibit retailers from selling or offering for sale any combustion engine-powered moped unless the moped was initially purchased in a consumer transaction before January 1, 2026.

SECTION 2. Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§286-    Sale of certain combustion engine-powered mopeds prohibited; penalties. (a) Beginning January 1, 2026, no retailer shall sell or offer for sale any combustion engine-powered moped that the retailer initially purchased after December 31, 2025.

(b) This section shall not be construed to prohibit any individual or retailer from reselling, renting, or offering for resale or rent a combustion engine‑powered moped that was initially purchased in a consumer transaction before January 1, 2026.

(c) Any person who violates this section shall be fined no more than $1,000 for each separate offense. Each moped sold or offered for sale in violation of this section shall constitute a separate offense.

(d) For purposes of this section, "retailer" means a person or entity that engages in the business of selling mopeds to consumers."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Combustion Engine-powered Mopeds; Sale; Prohibition; Penalty

Description:

Prohibits retailers from selling or offering for sale certain combustion engine-powered mopeds beginning 1/1/2026.

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