STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3085

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2695

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 Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2695, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PEDESTRIAN SAFETY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Clarify a driver's obligations at crosswalks;

(2) Require drivers to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians in crosswalks;

(3) Strengthen penalties for traffic violations, particularly in school zones; and

(4) Expand the offense of negligent injury in the second degree to include bodily injury to a vulnerable user by the operation of a vehicle in a negligent manner.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Department of Health, Disability and Communication Access Board, Hawaiʻi Bicycling League, and two individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that in recent years, the State has experienced tragic incidents involving pedestrians, including in school zones. Your Committee further finds that enhancing pedestrian priority at marked and unmarked crosswalks is critical for accessibility and connectivity to essential community destinations and safety. This measure will prioritize the rights of pedestrians to support safe and walkable communities.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2695, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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KARL RHOADS, Chair