Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 427, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require children ages four to seven, and under certain height and weight minimums, be properly secured in a child safety or booster seat.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Department of Transportation, the Department of Health, the Honolulu Police Department, the Maui County Police Department, one member of the Hawaii County Council, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition, Mothers Against Drunk Driving-Hawaii Chapter, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and three individuals. Testimony in opposition to the measure was submitted by the Office of the Public Defender.

This measure requires that children who are at least four years of age but less than eight years of age, and under certain weight and height minimums, be properly secured in a child safety or booster seat. Your Committee finds that child safety or booster seats are important safety equipment that can prevent or limit serious injury to young children involved a car accident.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 427, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.