Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 2018, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to strengthen the child safety seat law by requiring child safety seat or booster seat usage for children over four years, but less than eight years old and to define "restrained" under that law.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Department of Transportation, Department of Health, Disability and Communication Access Board, Honolulu Police Department, Maui Police Department, Hawaii County Fire Department EMS Division, a member of the Hawaii County Council, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Kapi`olani Medical Center for Women and Children, Waimanalo Health Center, American Medical Response, Mothers Against Drunk Driving-Hawaii, Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition, Good Beginnings Alliance, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, and seventeen concerned individuals. Comments were received from Hawaii Association of Independent Schools.

Your Committee finds persuasive the overwhelming testimony indicating that the proper use of child passenger restraints is the most important factor in preventing death and disability in a car crash. Your Committee finds that a normal seat belt provides insufficient protection for children ages four to eight because those seat belts are designed for adults and persons of larger stature. Requiring the use of child safety or booster seats will provide substantial protection to these vulnerable children.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2018, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.