THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	1479
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2023
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO PEDESTRIANS.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature recognizes that state law prohibits pedestrians from engaging in certain hazardous means of crossing the street when crosswalks are not present. The legislature finds that these illegal pedestrian crossings often result in collisions with vehicles, which can lead to pedestrians suffering from traumatic brain injuries and broken bones. The legislature also finds that while nine out of ten people who are hit by a vehicle travelling at twenty miles per hour may survive, only one out of ten people will survive impact from a vehicle travelling at forty miles per hour. Approximately, twenty-five per cent of pedestrian fatalities are due to illegal pedestrian crossings, which are colloquially known as "jaywalking" violations.

The legislature further finds that this type of violation is especially dangerous when an adult pedestrian is accompanied by a minor, as both of their lives are at risk. Further, such an adult, who is usually the minor's parent or guardian, should set an example to teach the child right from wrong and instill a healthy respect for the rules of the road, to ensure proper habits in the future. The legislature believes that it is important to ensure the safety of children when crossing the street and to hold lawbreaking adults accountable when they put children at risk.

The purpose of this Act is to increase from $100 to $200 the fine imposed against an adult pedestrian who improperly crosses the street if the pedestrian does so while accompanied by a minor younger than the age of fifteen.

SECTION 2. Section 291C-73, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:

"(e) [Every] Any person who violates this section shall be fined $100[.]; provided that if the person is at least eighteen years of age and violates this section while accompanied by a minor who is younger than fifteen years of age, the person shall be fined $200."

SECTION 3. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Statewide Traffic Code; Pedestrians; Jaywalking; Minors; Penalty

Description:

Increases from $100 to $200 the fine imposed against an adult pedestrian who improperly crosses the street if the pedestrian does so while accompanied by a minor under the age of 15.

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