STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2448

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2991

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.B. No. 2991 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to clarify that persons whose driver's licenses have been revoked for certain alcohol-related offenses are required to undergo reexamination before the examiner of drivers may relicense the person.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that in its analysis of the State's Fatality Analysis Reporting System data from 2019-2023, the Department of Transportation found that twenty-one percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes were operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, including those with suspended or revoked privileges. Closer analysis reveals that this figure surges to sixty-four percent among drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15, suggesting that there is strong connection between impairment and non-compliance. Implementing a rigorous reexamination process that includes proof of compliance, certified statements, successful completion of examination, and fee payment would provide a critical safeguard requiring dangerously negligent drivers to demonstrate their fitness to drive before these privileges are restored. This measure will enhance public safety and ensure that individuals who have had their licenses revoked for alcohol-related offenses are thoroughly evaluated before being allowed to operate a vehicle again.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2991 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

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

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair