STAND. COM. REP. NO. 199

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 664

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. 664 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 fines for persons who commit the offense of driving a motor vehicle at an excessive speed.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation and two 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.  Between 2011 and 2015, there were two hundred twenty-two fatal crashes that resulted in two hundred thirty-six deaths due to speeding.  Increasing fines for drivers who speed may deter them from driving in such a manner, making the roads and highways safer 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. 664 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