STAND. COM. REP. NO 2962

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 1706

       H.D. 1

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Seventh State Legislature

Regular Session of 2014

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Transportation and International Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 1706, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ILLEGAL PARKING UPON BIKEWAYS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to deter illegal parking on bicycle lanes and bicycle paths by establishing a minimum fine of $200 for a violation of the offense of parking a vehicle on a bicycle lane or bicycle path.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation.

     Your Committee finds that the current minimum fine of $35 has proven insufficient to deter motorists from blocking bicycle lanes and bicycle paths.  As the City and County of Honolulu continues to implement the Oahu Bike Plan and expand the number of bike paths and lanes, there will be greater anticipated use of bicycling as a viable and regular mode of travel.  Obstruction of bicycle lanes and paths by motorists is a safety hazard and a danger to bicyclists and all neighborhood residents.  This measure serves as a deterrent to motorists who would block bicycle lanes and paths.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1706, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and International Affairs,

____________________________

J. KALANI ENGLISH, Chair