STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2780

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2146

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2146, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish and appropriate moneys for a Traffic Fines Task Force to examine whether and how the Finnish traffic fines system may be implemented in Hawaii.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from two individuals.

Your Committee recognizes that Finland's scaled system for traffic fines requires offenders to pay fines in proportion to their incomes. Your Committee notes that this type of system can help deter offenses by wealthy individuals, who are often minimally affected by fines that are issued at a flat rate. Your Committee finds it appropriate to explore the possibility of establishing a similar traffic fine system in the State through the Task Force created by this measure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2146, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair