Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 182 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this concurrent resolution is to promote the safety of motorists and pedestrians by requesting the Department of Transportation (DOT) to review and evaluate the practice of erecting roadside memorials.

Several concerned citizens testified in support of this measure. DOT did not support this measure.

The establishment of roadside memorials for victims of motor vehicle crashes by grieving family and friends has become a common practice in Hawaii. Although your Committee understands that these memorials often offer an avenue for the expression of grief and serve as a way to remember loved ones who have died, they are also, at times, a distraction to motorists.

Your Committee understands that DOT has already established a policy regarding roadside memorials but only regarding those in the City and County of Honolulu. Your Committee encourages DOT to apply this policy statewide.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 182 and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.