Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2006

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation and Government Operations, to which was referred H.B. No. 1899, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to clarify where mopeds may be driven and to require drivers of mopeds who are under eighteen years of age to wear a helmet fastened by a chin strap.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Honolulu Police Department; State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company; and Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition/Safe Kids Hawaii. Testimony in opposition was received from one individual.

Your Committee finds that drivers of mopeds are particularly vulnerable to head injuries in accidents. Head injuries commonly result in permanent injury or death or in profound and disabling physical and mental effects which can be costly. This measure is intended to protect the safety of vulnerable moped drivers.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Adding "roadway" to highway and street; and

(2) Changing the effective date to upon approval.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1899, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1899, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs.