STAND. COM. REP. NO.  408-08

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

 

RE:   H.B. No. 3249

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 3249 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this bill is to enhance bicycle safety by:

 

     (1)  Prohibiting the parking of motor vehicles on bikeways;         and

 

     (2)  Establishing a fine of up to $500 per violation.

 

     The Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter testified in support of this bill.  The Department of Transportation (DOT) commented on this measure.

 

     Bicycling is an alternative mode of transportation that not only helps relieve traffic congestion, but also helps maintain a healthy society.  Unfortunately, bicycling in Hawaii is often referred to by bicyclists as "dangerous."  Providing bikeways that are clear of parked vehicles protects the safety of bicyclists and encourages individuals to continue, or possibly begin, this healthy activity.

 

     DOT recommended that the prohibition of parking on a bikeway and the fine accompanying this violation be added to the current statute that already prohibits driving on a bikeway.  Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by placing these provisions in section 291C-123, Hawaii Revised Statutes, that prohibits driving upon a bikeway.

 

     Other technical, nonsubstantive amendments were made for clarity, consistency, and style.

 

     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 H.B. No. 3249, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 3249, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

 

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

 

 

 

 

____________________________

JOSEPH M. SOUKI, Chair