STAND. COM. REP. NO.  132

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2009

RE:   H.B. No. 758

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. 758 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO IMPOUNDMENT OF VEHICLES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this bill is to increase the safety of Hawaii's highways by authorizing and setting forth procedures for impounding a motor vehicle after an individual has been fined:

(1)  Three or more times for operating a motor vehicle without a valid certificate of inspection; or

(2)  For operating a motor vehicle without being duly licensed, valid insurance card, or valid insurance policy.

     Two concerned individuals testified in support of this bill.  The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs supported the intent of this bill in part.

     Numerous individuals are ticketed every year for expired safety checks, failure to have proof of insurance, driving an unregistered vehicle, or driving without a valid driver's license.  Requiring that vehicles be impounded may help address the problems of uninsured motorists driving on Hawaii's roadways and drivers who fail to adhere to important safety requirements.

     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. 758 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