Requires the operator of a vehicle to stop when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk at any time on a non-divided highway and on either half of a divided highway if the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle operator is traveling. (SD1)

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to protect pedestrians by simplifying and strengthening their right of way within crosswalks.

SECTION 2. Section 291C-72, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) [When traffic-control signals are not in place or not in operation the driver] The operator of a vehicle shall yield the right of way[, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to] by stopping for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on a non-divided highway. Operators shall yield the right of way by stopping for a pedestrian crossing in a crosswalk on either half of a divided highway if the pedestrian is upon the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle operator is traveling[, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger]."

SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.