STAND. COM. REP. NO. 196

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 364

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. 364 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to increase the fine imposed for failure to use a seat belt while traveling in a motor vehicle.  

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation and 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 seatbelt use is the single most effective way to reduce injuries and save lives in motor vehicle crashes.  This measure increases fines in order to deter violations of the seat belt law and promote safety in an effort to reduce injuries and save lives.

     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. 364 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