STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3458

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 2953

       S.D. 1

Honorable Colleen Hanabusa

President of the Senate

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2008

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Judiciary and Labor, to which was referred H.B. No. 2953 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to provide an exemption from the requirement of shipping a vehicle inter-island for the drivers of the vehicles traveling on an inter-island ferry; provided that:

     (1)  The drivers present identification of the driver, a current certificate of registration for the vehicle, and proof of motor vehicle insurance; and

     (2)  The inter-island ferry carrier keeps a record of transporting the vehicle by recording the vehicle identification number and retaining the information for three years after the date of travel.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Hawaii Superferry and Young Brothers, Limited.

     The intent of this measure is to facilitate the inter-island shipping of vehicles by inter-island ferry carriers.  Requiring the presentation of the certificate of registration, identification, and proof of motor vehicle insurance helps prevent the shipping of stolen vehicles from one island to another.  However, your Committee is concerned that the same rationale for exempting an inter-island ferry might also apply to inter-island cargo container ships and barges.  Therefore, your Committee believes that this measure requires further deliberation to ensure an equitable application.

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by changing the effective date to July 1, 2050 to continue the discussions on this matter.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary and Labor that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2953, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2953, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary and Labor,

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair