STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2450

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2812

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.B. No. 2812 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Require testing of driver's license applicants on the dangers that larger motor vehicles present to pedestrians and bicyclists; and

(2) Require persons who commit the offense of excessively speeding or habitually driving while intoxicated to pass the driver's license examination for each offense.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, and three individuals.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender.

Your Committee finds that larger motor vehicles pose a serious threat to vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Vehicles with higher hood heights create large forward blind zones that render pedestrians, particularly children, much less visible to the driver. Requiring applicants for a driver's license to be tested on the dangers that larger vehicles present to vulnerable road users would raise awareness and promote safer driving behaviors. Additionally, many traffic accidents and fatalities in the State involve excessive speeding and habitual driving under the influence. Requiring reexamination for drivers convicted of excessive speeding or habitual driving under the influence would serve as both a deterrent and educational tool. This measure will reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries on the State's roadways and educate motorists to create a culture of safety among all road users.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2812 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

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

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair