STAND. COM. REP. NO.  122-08

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2008

 

RE:   H.B. No. 3246

      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. 3246 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NOISE,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this bill is to reduce excessive noise produced by loud motor vehicles and mopeds by:

 

     (1)  Establishing motor vehicle and moped noise restrictions, including for areas near any structure used for lodging;

 

     (2)  Providing for increases in fines for a second, third, or subsequent violation of the noise restrictions; and

 

     (3)  Providing for the seizure and impoundment of a motor vehicle or moped used in violation of the noise restrictions.

 

     The Honolulu Police Department (HPD), Street Bikers United Hawaii, and several concerned individuals testified in opposition to this bill.  The Hawaii Transportation Association and Hawaii Motorcycle Dealers Association commented on this measure.

 

     Overly excessive noise emitted from motor vehicles and mopeds is a nuisance and affects the quality of life for many residents, especially those living in densely populated areas such as Salt Lake, Waikiki, and Ala Moana on the island of Oahu.  This is especially pronounced in the late evening and early morning hours.

 

     Your Committee understands the concerns raised by HPD that it lacks the equipment to enforce the specific decibel levels established in this measure, and that current ordinances and statutes appear to address this problem.  However, the continuing number of complaints received regarding motor vehicle and moped noise necessitates further action and this measure deserves further consideration.

 

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by changing its effective date to July 1, 2050, to facilitate further discussion.

 

     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. 3246, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 3246, 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