STAND. COM. REP. NO.642

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2003

RE: S.B. No. 51

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs, and Government Operations, to which was referred S.B. No. 51 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the Director of Transportation (Director) to grant an intrastate waiver to enable an insulin user to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, the American Diabetes Association, and a doctor specializing in diabetes treatment.

Your Committee finds that under existing law, all insulin users are flatly prohibited from obtaining a CDL. This blanket prohibition presents many diabetics with a difficult choice: either not take insulin to treat their diabetes, or take insulin and give up the opportunity to obtain a CDL. Since many jobs in the State require a CDL, many diabetics are forced to choose between their health and their livelihood.

Your Committee further finds that medical and technological advances have produced many new treatments and supplies to enable diabetics to manage their condition without any complications. Your Committee believes that the broad ban preventing insulin users from obtaining a CDL is antiquated in light of recent technology.

Your Committee notes that, under this measure, before the Director may grant a waiver, the applicant must undergo a screening process, including examination by a licensed physician. Your Committee believes that this measure strikes an appropriate balance between the need to keep our roadways safe and the rights and abilities of insulin users.

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 S.B. No. 51 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.

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

____________________________

CAL KAWAMOTO, Chair