Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 824 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to require the Director of Transportation to approve and certify qualified motorcycle operator education programs operated by the military.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by Street Bikers United-Hawaii, Carr's Insurance Agency, William F. Jones Insurance Agency, and numerous members of the military. The Department of Transportation submitted testimony supporting the intent of the bill but asking that the bill be held, as unnecessary.

As the result of recommendations of a blue ribbon panel of national motorcycle safety experts, the State will be establishing administrative rules for motorcycle operator education programs that are expected to address the concerns expressed by proponents of this bill. However, these rules are not yet in place.

Several of those testifying stated that there is no difference in the curriculum between the military course and the state program. In addition, the instructors of both programs are certified by the same organization, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Your Committee finds that persons who complete motorcycle education courses conducted by the military should not be compelled to attend another class merely because it is operated by the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 824 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.