HR227.DOC

WHEREAS, there is a proliferation of the presence and operation of mopeds in residential neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, speed governors on mopeds can, and often are, disabled or modified such that the moped can be operated at speeds in excess of what is safe and legal; and

WHEREAS, the exhaust system on mopeds can, and often is, modified such that the moped is more powerful but much noisier than designed or legal; and

WHEREAS, the operation of mopeds, operating illegally, in residential neighborhoods has led to increases in noise pollution, disturbing the quiet of residential neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, mopeds, because of their relatively small size and affordability, have reportedly been used by drug dealers to make pickups and deliveries and can be maneuvered away from police in tight spaces, or abandoned if need be; and

WHEREAS, currently, moped owners are required to affix a very small decal to the lower portion of the moped's rear fender; and

WHEREAS, because the numbers on the decal are so small, it is very difficult to decipher the numerals in order to report a crime committed by a moped driver to the local authorities; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, that the City and County of Honolulu increase fines on illegal mopeds; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City and County of Honolulu create a task force to examine the feasibility of putting license plates on mopeds; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the mayor and the council members of the City and County of Honolulu and the Honolulu Police Department.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Moped license plates and fines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	227
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII