STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1685-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2026

RE: H.R. No. 88

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.R. No. 88 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO CONSIDER MOVING TO A DEMERIT POINTS-BASED DRIVER'S LICENSING SYSTEM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to urge the Department of Transportation to consider moving to a demerit points-based driver's licensing system.

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

Your Committee finds that Hawaii has experienced a troubling increase in traffic fatalities, with recent data reflecting the highest number of deaths in over a decade. The State's current traffic abstract system provides limited ongoing accountability for unsafe driving practices and may not effectively deter repeat violations. Your Committee further finds that demerit point systems, which are widely used across the United States, have been shown to improve driver behavior by establishing clear, continuous consequences for traffic violations while also encouraging driver education and rehabilitation. This measure urges the Department of Transportation to consider transitioning to a demerit points-based driver's licensing system to enhance roadway safety and reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 88 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

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

____________________________

DARIUS KILA, Chair