STAND. COM. REP. NO.  827

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2015

RE:   H.B. No. 715

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 715 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LOW-SPEED ELECTRIC BICYCLES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

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

An individual provided testimony in support of this measure.  The Department of Transportation, Department of Transportation Services, Ebikes Hawaii, Bicycle Product Suppliers Association, PeopleForBikes and Hawaii Bicycling League provided testimony in support with recommendations.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the definition of bicycle to include low-speed electric bicycles for purposes of county bicycle registration fees;

     (2)  Applying bicycle identification and dealer records requirements to low-speed electric bicycles; and

     (3)  Changing the effective date to March 15, 2038, to encourage further discussion.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 715, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 715, H.D. 1.

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

____________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair