STAND. COM. REP. NO. 195

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 363

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. 363 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to increase the fines imposed for violations of use of mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from three individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu.

     Your Committee finds that use of a mobile electronic device while driving is a threat to the health and safety of the device operator and that of others on the roadway.  Your Committee finds that despite the imposition of fines for violations, drivers continue to use mobile electronic devices while driving.  This measure increases fines in an effort to further deter this activity.

     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. 363 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair