STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1151-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.B. No. 469

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 Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 469, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose 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 removable windshield placard or disabled paid parking exemption permit and provides proof of travel.

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

Your Committee finds that individuals with mobility disabilities who use removable windshield placards frequently encounter difficulties when traveling inter island or out of state, as they must take their placard with them but still need accessible parking at Hawaii airports and ports. Your Committee further finds that the inability to leave a placard with a parked vehicle creates barriers to travel, increases the risk of citation, and limits independence for individuals who rely on accessible parking accommodations. This measure will ensure consistent access to accessible parking during travel and allow individuals to use their removable placard as intended while away from home.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Deleting the language that would have required the disability travel placard to:

(A) Have the expiration date clearly printed on the front of the placard; and

(B) Be issued in a color that is clearly distinct from any other disability parking permit;

(2) Clarifying the definition of "disability travel placard" to delete a reference to disabled paid parking exemption permit; and

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

Your Committee notes that the intent of this measure is to make the disability travel placards distinctive to reduce chances of misuse.

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. 469, H.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.

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

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair