STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3765

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 469

H.D. 2

S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 469, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PARKING FOR DISABLED PERSONS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Disability and Communication Access Board to issue a disability travel placard to an applicant who has a valid removeable windshield placard or disabled paid parking exemption permit but does not have a valid special license plate, and who provides proof of travel.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Disability and Communication Access Board, and three individuals.

Your Committee finds that individuals who rely on removable windshield placards often must choose between leaving their placard behind in their vehicle when traveling or bringing it with them and losing access to accessible parking at the State's airports, harbors, and other transportation hubs. This creates unnecessary hardship and can limit independence, safety, and community access, especially in Hawaiʻi where many individuals must travel between islands for medical care, specialized services, family support, education, employment, and community activities. This measure provides a simple, common-sense solution that preserves access to accessible parking both at home and while traveling, promotes continuity of accommodations, reduces stress on families and caregivers, and supports the ability of people with disabilities to move freely between islands without losing critical supports.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Making it effective upon its approval; and

(2) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 469, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 469, H.D. 2, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

________________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair