HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	96
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO CONSIDER MOVING TO A DEMERIT POINTS-BASED DRIVER'S LICENSING SYSTEM.

WHEREAS, there were one hundred twenty-nine traffic fatalities in Hawaii in 2025, the highest number since 2007; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has stated that more than ninety percent of crashes can be attributed to human behavior; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has a vested interest in reducing traffic injuries and fatalities to ensure the safety of all drivers on Hawaii's roads; and

WHEREAS, the State currently relies on a traffic abstract system to track moving traffic violations and determine eligibility to maintain a driver's license; and

WHEREAS, a demerit point system is a common method used by licensing authorities to track driver behavior, where points are added to a license for traffic violations; and

WHEREAS, demerit point systems are correlated with positive reductions in road traffic injuries, fatalities, and behavioral risk factors; and

WHEREAS, demerit point systems have been implemented in approximately forty states and the District of Columbia; and

WHEREAS, demerit point systems provide oversight on dangerous driver behavior and continuous and clear consequences for noncompliance and incentivize changes in behavior that endanger other motorists; and

WHEREAS, demerit point systems also provide opportunities for drivers to correct dangerous behaviors and incentivize driver education; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED that the Hawaii State Department of Transportation is requested to collaborate with county agencies responsible for driver licensing issuance and implementation to develop and provide clear, timely, and comprehensive guidance, including but not limited to guidance on funding, staffing, information technology system modifications, administrative procedures, staff training, and public communication needs, and to work cooperatively with these agencies to establish a phased and coordinated implementation approach that allows sufficient time for implementing agencies to evaluate and address operational requirements, ensure accurate integration into statewide driver record systems, and promote consistent application across all jurisdictions; and

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, that the Department of Transportation is urged to consider moving to a demerit points-based driver's licensing system; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation and the Mayors of each county.

Report Title:

Department of Transportation; Demerit Points-based Driver Licensing System