STAND. COM. REP. NO.1222

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2001

RE: H.B. No. 1640

H.D. 1

S.D. 1

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations, to which was referred H.B. No. 1640, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to establish and implement a permanent intra-island water ferry transportation system.

Your Committee received testimony in favor of this measure from the Department of Transportation and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the establishment of an alternative means of transportation is needed to alleviate the traffic congestion on the State's highways. An intra-island ferry is a viable solution providing a reliable means of transportation that is cost-effective and efficient.

Your Committee recognizes another important community concern relating to pickup trucks. More frequently, there are recurring incidents of children being hurt, even fatally, riding in the bed of a pickup truck. Your Committee believes that more must be done to prevent further injuries to the State's children and protect them from harm. Current law prohibits children twelve years old or younger from riding in the bed of a pickup truck. Your Committee believes that current law is insufficient and that all minors should be protected. Therefore, your Committee has amended this measure by prohibiting persons under the age of eighteen years old from riding in the bed of a pickup truck.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1640, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1640, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations,

____________________________

CAL KAWAMOTO, Chair