STAND. COM. REP. NO. 993-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1523

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1523, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE STATEWIDE TRAFFIC CODE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to remove references to countdown timers as it relates to pedestrian-control signals, including the requirement that pedestrians must begin crossing a roadway before a countdown timer begins.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization; Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice; Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute; Healthy Eating + Active Living; Hawaiʻi Bicycling League; and four individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of Transportation and Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Health.

Your Committee finds that currently, pedestrians are prohibited from entering a crosswalk once a countdown timer has begun, regardless of whether the pedestrian is behaving reasonably and has enough time to reach the other side of the street safely. Under existing law, a pedestrian can receive a $130 jaywalking ticket for crossing the street after the countdown timer has started, even if they have more than ample time to cross. Rather than promoting safety, this overly technical law has criminalized ordinary, reasonable behavior. This measure will improve clarity, fairness, and safety for pedestrians.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1523, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair