STAND. COM. REP. NO. 866-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: H.B. No. 1539

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1539, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Change the penalties for repeated traffic violations, reckless driving violations, and violations of excessive speeding;

(2) Increase the fines for driving without motor vehicle liability insurance; and

(3) Increase motor vehicle insurance minimums to protect residents from repeat offenders.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu; Hawaii Association for Justice; and two individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender; American Property Casualty Insurance Association of America; State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company; and American Car Rental Association. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Department of the Attorney General; Hawaii Insurers Council; and Turo.

Your Committee finds that traffic fatalities and injuries in Hawaii have increased, with a record high of one hundred seventeen traffic fatalities and five hundred seventy serious traffic-related injuries in 2022. In the first six months of 2023, Hawaii had forty-three traffic fatalities, with two deaths occurring immediately outside of public schools. Your Committee recognizes that these tragic events demonstrate the need for greater safeguards and deterrents to improve safety on Hawaii's streets and better protect Hawaii residents. This measure increases the penalties for various violations to create a greater deterrent to dangerous driving behaviors.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1539, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

MARK M. NAKASHIMA, Chair