Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 116 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request that the Department of Transportation (DOT) convene a task force to examine appropriate methods to regulate motorized devices on sidewalks, highways, and public areas.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the DOT and the City and County of Honolulu Police Department. A concerned citizen submitted comments.

Your Committee finds that existing law is often outpaced by technological advances. Such is the case with personal transportation devices. While current law was drafted to apply to devices in existence when the laws were enacted, new technology requires that we examine our existing statutes to determine whether these new technologies can be accommodated.

One example is the recent Segway invention, which was demonstrated at the Capitol on March 28, 2002. The Segway is a two-wheeled, battery operated personal transportation device that transports a standing rider; it is unlike any vehicle currently on the market.

The Segway has generated much discussion regarding how to classify it and whether it should be subject to existing law. Your Committee finds that this issue requires further examination by persons within the DOT with expertise on the subject. Therefore, your Committee supports this measure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 116 and recommends its adoption.