STAND. COM. REP. NO.  465

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.B. No. 443

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 443 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLE NOISE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to reduce excessive noise produced by loud motor vehicle exhaust systems by establishing a graduated system of fines for violations of the motor vehicle muffler noise law.

     Citizens against noise testified in support of this bill.  Street Bikers United Hawaii testified in opposition to this measure.  A concerned individual submitted comments.

     Loud motor vehicle mufflers affect many neighborhoods throughout the state, especially densely populated areas such as Waikiki on the island of Oahu.  Not only do these devices emit their own sound but their rumble often triggers car alarms by the vibrations they create.  This is especially pronounced in the late evening and early morning hours.

     Although your Committee understands that overly excessive noise emitted from motor vehicles is a nuisance and generally only involves a few number of individuals who are violating current law, this matter deserves further discussion.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 443 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

____________________________

JOSEPH M. SOUKI, Chair