STAND. COM. REP. NO. 239

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1258

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation and Energy, to which was referred S.B. No. 1258 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish requirements for autocycles in the State.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Polaris Industries, and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that the existing statutes relating to the registration of vehicles permitted in the State needs updating.  Specifically, the existing statutes do not allow for the registration of autocycles, a newer type of vehicle composed of three wheels and non-traditional seating that is manufactured to motorcycle safety standards.  These components cause autocycles to unnecessarily fall outside the scope of the State's vehicle registration statutes, thus prohibiting autocycles in the State.  Accordingly, this measure:

     (1)  Provides that autocycles are to be registered as motor vehicles;

     (2)  Provides that for use on the roadways autocycles must be registered and the operator must have a valid driver's license; and

     (3)  Provides a definition for autocycles.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Energy that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1258 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, and Health.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Energy,

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair