Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations and Health, to which was referred S.B. No. 1657 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish a parking for persons with disabilities special fund (fund), into which would be deposited a portion of the state vehicle registration fee and legislative appropriations.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), and three individuals.

This measure also makes an appropriation into the fund. Moneys in the fund would be used for administration of the statewide program for parking for disabled persons, payments to the counties for the costs of issuing permits to qualified persons, and other purposes necessary for the program.

The statewide program for parking for disabled persons is currently staffed by volunteers. According to the HPD, it spends more than $80,000 each year to coordinate the volunteers for the program. This measure would assist all counties in defraying their costs for the program.

Your Committees recognize the importance of providing parking for disabled persons who have limited motility. Dedicated parking stalls enable them to drive, shop, and run errands without artificial impediments such as a lack of parking.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations and Health that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1657 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.