WHEREAS, personal mobility devices (PMDs) provide a convenient and necessary mode of transportation for the disabled; and

WHEREAS, the low-sitting nature of PMDs sometimes compromises the safety of rider, as they are often below the line of sight of vehicular drivers; and

WHEREAS, traffic and traffic crossings can be dangerous for those who use PMDs as a result of their low visibility; and

WHEREAS, on September 30, 2004, former Honolulu Police Chief Michael Nakamura was struck by a moving vehicle while crossing the street using a PMD; and

WHEREAS, this tragic event may have been avoided if Chief Nakamura's PMD had been more visible; and

WHEREAS, a device such as a reflector or brightly colored flag attached to a PMD may possibly increase the chances of a driver noticing it and avoiding an accident; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, that the Disability and Communication Access Board (DCAB) is requested to conduct an assessment concerning the best manner in which to make PMDs more noticeable to drivers; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DCAB is requested to propose legislation that would ensure the safety of users of PMDs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that DCAB is requested to submit a report to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2007; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Executive Director and each member of the Disability and Communication Access Board.

Report Title:

Personal Mobility Devices; DCAB Assessment