STAND. COM. REP. NO. 198

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 663

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. 663 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 from $250 to $750 for speeding violations occurring in a school zone or construction area.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Hawai‘i Construction Alliance, 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 excessive speeding continues to be a significant factor in serious traffic accidents and fatalities in the State.  Preliminary data for 2016 indicates that speeding was a contributing factor in forty-four percent of motor vehicle fatalities.  Your Committee further finds that 2,660 citations were issued statewide from 2012 to 2016 for speeding in school zones and construction areas.  Increasing fines for speeding in a school zone or construction area may deter drivers who speed from driving in such a manner, making the roads safety for other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.

     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. 663 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