Makes a grant-in-aid to the city and county of Honolulu to construct two pocket bike tracks. Prohibits pocket bikes on streets and state and county parks.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that police departments and county officials statewide are trying to put the brakes on "pocket bikes", the increasingly popular miniature motorcycles that can achieve speeds of thirty-five miles per hour or more. The bikes are becoming a noise and safety nuisance at parks and on streets and sidewalks in some neighborhoods. The bikes' small size, about eighteen inches high, makes them difficult to spot and a hazard on the road.

The legislature further finds that pocket bikes are illegal on the road. The bikes do not fall within the meaning of "moped", "motorcycle", "motor scooter", or "motor vehicle", under section 286-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and thus cannot be registered. Pocket bike riders can be cited and arrested. As an alternative to the road, pocket bikes are taking to parking lots and walkways in public parks. This creates a hazard for park users, including joggers, walkers, and tennis and basketball players. Picnickers are also made to feel uncomfortable with the noise and distraction. Some public parks post signs banning the miniature motorcycles. The legislature further finds that pocket bike enthusiasts need a public track on which to ride.

The purpose of this Act is to prohibit the operation of pocket bikes in state and county parks and on roadways, and to appropriate funds to the city and county of Honolulu to design and construct two pocket bike tracks for public use.

SECTION 2. Chapter 46, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part V be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§46-   Pocket bikes prohibited. The operation of pocket bikes is prohibited in any county park except on a pocket bike track under the jurisdiction of the county or State.

For purposes of this section, "pocket bike" means a mini-motorcycle, commonly with a top speed ranging from thirty-five to forty-five miles per hour, or more for modified bikes; typically gas or electric powered; and usually about eighteen inches high."

SECTION 3. Chapter 184, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§184-   Pocket bikes prohibited. The operation of pocket bikes is prohibited in any state park except on a pocket bike track under the jurisdiction of the county or State.

For purposes of this section, "pocket bike" means a mini-motorcycle, commonly with a top speed ranging from thirty-five to forty-five miles per hour, or more for modified bikes; typically gas or electric powered; and usually about eighteen inches high.

SECTION 4. Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XII be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§291C-   Pocket bikes prohibited. The operation of pocket bikes is prohibited on a highway, roadway, or street.

For purposes of this section, "pocket bike" means a mini-motorcycle, commonly with a top speed ranging from thirty-five to forty-five miles per hour, or more for modified bikes; typically gas or electric powered; and usually about eighteen inches high.

SECTION 5. As used in this Act, "pocket bike" means a mini-motorcycle, commonly with a top speed ranging from thirty-five to forty-five miles per hour, or more for modified bikes; typically gas or electric powered; and usually about eighteen inches high.

SECTION 6. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005-2006, for a grant-in-aid to the city and county of Honolulu for plans and construction of two pocket bike tracks, one to be located in Pearl City and one to be located in Windward Oahu.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the city and county of Honolulu for purposes of this Act.

SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 6 shall take effect on July 1, 2005.