STAND. COM. REP. NO. 678-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 1641

H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1641, 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 regulate high-speed electric devices by:

(1) Prohibiting the lease or rent of high-speed electric devices;

(2) Prohibiting the sale or offer for sale of high-speed electric devices under certain conditions; and

(3) Prohibiting the operation of high-speed electric devices on any bicycle lane, highway, roadway, or street.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the growing popularity of alternative modes of transportation, including electric bicycles, electric mopeds, and other electric mobility devices, allows residents to reduce their transportation expenses while reducing their carbon footprints. However, your Committee further finds that the growing incidence of persons improperly operating such devices are increasingly frustrating to all users of roadways and are a growing threat to public health and safety. This measure, in an effort to promote safety for all users of roadways in the State, regulates high-speed electric devices.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Prohibiting the operation of a high-speed electric device on any sidewalk; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

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. 1641, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1641, H.D. 2.

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

____________________________

SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair