Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 47 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to encourage motorcyclists and motor scooter operators to obtain insurance and complete the motorcycle education course by amending the law pertaining to motorcycle and motor scooter liability insurance coverage. Specifically, this bill will:

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and GEICO. Testimony in opposition of this measure was received from Consumer Lawyers of Hawaii, Hawaii Motorcycle Dealers Association, Leeward Community College, and a concerned individual.

Your Committee finds that this measure will contribute to safety on the roadways and ensure that motorcycle and motor scooter operators receive liability insurance protection. Concern was expressed, however, that the measure does not specifically require registration in a motorcycle education course prior to issuance of coverage. Concern was also expressed that the measure does not specify a time frame for canceling insurance coverage.

In light of these concerns, your Committee has amended this bill by inserting language clarifying that:

Your Committee has further amended this measure by providing a defective date of July 1, 2099, to encourage further discussion.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 47, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 47, H.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.