STAND. COM. REP. NO.  191-20

 

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2020

 

RE:   H.B. No. 2590

      H.D. 1

 

 

 

 

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

 

Sir:

 

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 2590 entitled:

 

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES,"

 

begs leave to report as follows:

 

     The purpose of this measure is to authorize the use of automated-driving-system-equipped vehicles, automated driving systems, driverless-capable vehicles, and on-demand driverless-capable vehicle networks in Hawaii.

 

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Department of Transportation Services of the City and County of Honolulu, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Hawaii Automobile Dealers' Association, and Ulupono Initiative.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Taxation and 350Hawaii.

 

     Your Committee finds that the automotive industry is rapidly evolving.  Today's vehicles are more advanced than ever and feature remarkable capabilities, all with the primary goal of passenger safety and saving lives.  According to the United States Department of Transportation, more than 37,000 lives were lost on United States roadways in 2017, with human error accounting for more than 94 percent of these fatalities.  These numbers underscore the importance for automobile manufacturers to develop life-saving autonomous vehicle technologies.  Furthermore, autonomous vehicles increase transportation options, allowing individuals to navigate and participate more meaningfully in their communities.

 

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

 

     (1)  Establishing a two-year autonomous vehicles testing pilot program within the Department of Transportation;

 

     (2)  Making an appropriation in an unspecified amount to the Department of Transportation for the pilot program;

 

     (3)  Changing its effective date to July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

 

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of 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. 2590, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2590, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committees on Judiciary and Consumer Protection & Commerce.

 

 

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

 

 

 

 

____________________________

HENRY J.C. AQUINO, Chair