STAND. COM. REP. NO. 96

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: H.B. No. 223

H.D. 1

 

 

 

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 223 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to promote traffic safety by:

(1) Requiring the use of headlights on all motor vehicles, motorcycles, motor scooters, and motorized bicycles during periods of inclement weather when visibility is reduced to 1,000 feet or less;

(2) Requiring the use of headlights during conditions requiring the continuous use of a motor vehicle's windshield wipers;

(3) Increasing the penalties for the use or operation of any motor vehicle not equipped with lights as required by law; and

(4) Prohibiting the use and operation of motorcycles, motor scooters, and motorized bicycles not equipped with lights as required by law and provides a penalty for noncompliance.

 

The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) testified in opposition to this measure as currently drafted.

Inclement weather reduces visibility, making driving difficult for persons operating motor vehicles. Your Committee finds that the use of headlights during inclement weather makes a vehicle more discernible, thus making driving safer for all motorists.

However, your Committee understands the concerns raised by HPD regarding the definition of "inclement weather," specifically, the distance at which inclement weather makes it difficult for a driver to clearly discern a person, vehicle, or substantial object on any public street, road, or highway. Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing from 1,000 feet to 200 feet, the distance at which inclement weather prevents a person from clearly discerning a person, vehicle, or substantial object on any public street, road, or highway; and

(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments 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. 223, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 223, 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