STAND. COM. REP. NO.  392

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2009

RE:   H.B. No. 557

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fifth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2009

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 557 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to increase the use of alternative means of transportation by including bicycles powered by an electric motor in the definition of "bicycle," thereby allowing the use of electric bicycles on Hawaii's streets, sidewalks, and multi-use paths.

     The Representative of the 11^th Representative District and several concerned individuals testified in support of this bill.  The Department of Transportation supported this bill with amendments.  The Department of Transportation Services of the City and County of Honolulu (DTS) testified in opposition to this measure.

     Hawaii is very dependent on imported oil for its energy needs.  Encouraging different modes of transportation that uses alternative energy can help to reduce oil dependence.  Although bicycles are currently allowed to be operated on various types of pathways such as roads, trails, and sidewalks, bicycles powered by means other than human power, such as by an electric motor, are currently not allowed to be similarly operated.  Allowing these types of vehicles may result in increased usage of this alternative means of transportation.

     Your Committee understands the safety concerns raised by DTS as to the speed these vehicles may travel, especially on sidewalks and paths used by pedestrians.  However, your Committee encourages further discussion on this issue as the bill makes its way through the legislative process.

     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. 557 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