Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 1768 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to clarify Hawaii's Highway Safety Law to allow custom-made motorcycles to be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles by:

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Hawaii County Council, the County of Hawaii Finance Department, Carrs Insurance Agency, Street Bikers United, and various motorcycle clubs, owners, retailers, and repair shops. Numerous signatures were also submitted in support of this bill. The Department of Transportation (DOT) stated their support of the intent of this measure but had some concerns regarding safety issues and the confusion that differing standards among the four counties may cause in the registration process. The Honolulu Police Department submitted testimony in opposition to this bill.

Ambiguities in Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS), specifically with the term "vehicle identification number" in Chapter 286-45, HRS, has disrupted the registration and taxing of custom motorcycles on the island of Hawaii creating financial difficulties for motorcycle owners and some small businesses. These problems began to occur when attempts were made by the county to comply with a DOT memo that interpreted the term "vehicle identification number" to mean the federal vehicle identification number. However, no such requirement is present in the current law.

Although the Honolulu Police Department raised concerns regarding safety and theft issues, your Committee feels that utilization of unique Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) identification numbers for custom motorcycle frames, engines, and transmissions would be sufficient for vehicle registration.

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. 1768 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.