STAND. COM. REP. NO. 471
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2015
RE: H.B. No. 715
Honorable Joseph M. Souki
Speaker, House of Representatives
Twenty-Eighth State Legislature
Regular Session of 2015
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Transportation, 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 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.
Hawaii is very dependent on imported oil for its energy needs. Encouraging different modes of transportation that use 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. Your Committee finds that allowing these types of vehicles to be operated on various types of pathways in Hawaii may result in increased usage of this alternative means of transportation.
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. 715 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,
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____________________________ HENRY J.C. AQUINO, Chair |
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