Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2336, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require that all drivers under age eighteen are accompanied by an adult when driving at night between the hours of ten and four.

This measure recognizes and addresses the fact that young drivers are not as capable and experienced in driving, particularly at night. Being licensed does not detract from that fact.

Your Committee believes that this measure would also curb drag racing and driving under the influence among persons under eighteen. Your Committee is particularly concerned about the number of deaths attributable to accidents resulting from excessive speed. Young drivers are particularly vulnerable to poor driving habits, due to their relative immaturity and inexperience behind the wheel.

It is not the intent of your Committee to cause undue hardship to youth who drive at night. The restricted hours of 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. seem reasonable, since youths should be home in bed between those hours.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2336, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.