HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2131

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2010

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to gasoline dealers.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that many retail gasoline stations in the State charge their customers for access to water.  The legislature finds that water is essential to the safe operation of motor vehicles on the roads of the State.  In addition, with gasoline prices rising, it is imperative that motorists keep their automobiles running at optimum condition to maximize fuel efficiency.  Adequate water levels keep automobile engines cool and contribute to obtaining the optimum miles per gallon.  The legislature further finds that access to potable water will allow persons to promote good hygiene by washing their hands after handling dirty gas pumps or coming into contact with gasoline and other automotive fluids.  This may help prevent the spread of diseases, such as H1N1 influenza, and promote the safe operation of motor vehicles.  Additionally, the legislature finds that California has recognized the importance of this issue, and its legislature recently passed legislation requiring retail gas stations to provide free air and water to motorists for these purposes.

     The purpose of this Act is to require retail service stations in Hawaii to provide customers who purchase motor vehicle fuel with free access to potable water.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 486H, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§486H-    Provision of potable water.  (a)  Every retail station, during operating hours, shall provide and make available at no cost to customers who purchase motor vehicle fuel, potable water for use in servicing the vehicle for which the motor vehicle fuel was purchased or for washing their hands after dispensing fuel.  Servicing the vehicle does not include washing the vehicle.

     (b)  Violations of this section shall be subject to a civil fine of not more than $1,000 per day of violation."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on September 1, 2010.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Gasoline Dealers

 

Description:

Requires gasoline dealers to provide access to water at no cost to customers who purchase motor vehicle fuel.

 

 

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