STAND. COM. REP. NO.338-02
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2002
RE: H.B. No. 2031
H.D. 1
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. 2031 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this bill, as received, is to allow an "Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMD)" to be used on sidewalks and other areas where there is pedestrian traffic.
Specifically, this bill:
(1) Adds the definition of EPAMD to current laws regarding vehicular weight tax, highway safety, used motor vehicle parts and accessories, the statewide traffic code, used motor vehicle tire recovery, and the motor vehicle lemon law; and
(2) Amends various motor vehicle codes to allow for the operation of EPAMDs in public areas since these vehicles are neither motor vehicles nor mopeds.
Segway LLC testified in support of this measure. The Department of Transportation (DOT) supported the intent of this bill. The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) testified in opposition to this measure.
EPAMD is a self balancing, zero emission, electric powered transportation device that can travel as far as 17 miles on one charge and reach speeds of up to 12.5 miles per hour. These devices are currently being used and evaluated by the United States Postal Service, the National Park Service, the City of Atlanta, Michelin North America, Inc., GE Plastics, and Amazon.com. EPAMDs are expected to be available for consumer use by the end of 2002.
Although this technological apparatus appears to be one solution to combating traffic problems and pollution produced by internal combustion engine driven vehicles, this is a new device not currently regulated under state law, causing a dilemma with regards to the legality of where these devices can be used since they are technically not motor vehicles.
However, your Committee realizes the concerns raised by both DOT and HPD regarding safety issues for both the riders of these devices and the pedestrians and bike riders it may affect; the age of persons able to use these devices; and where these devices can actually be used. Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by removing the contents of the bill, as received, and inserting language which:
(1) Defines an EPAMD; and
(2) Restricts the use of EPAMDs to specific areas, age groups, and individuals.
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. 2031, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2031, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,
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____________________________ JOSEPH M. SOUKI, Chair |
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