THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2166
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to traffic safety.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that unsafe driving conditions may occur on two-lane roadways when the lead vehicle is moving slowly, causing a back-up of vehicles behind the lead vehicle, and traffic moving in the opposite direction makes passing vehicles unsafe. This situation is frequently encountered on Hana highway, between mile markers 00 and 34, where visibility around turns is limited by natural contours of the road.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to promote traffic safety on Hana highway by requiring drivers of lead vehicles on the highway, between mile markers 00 and 34, to use turnouts and allow vehicles to pass under certain circumstances.

SECTION 2. Section 291C-41, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[[]§291C-41[]] Drive on right side of roadway; exceptions. (a) Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:

(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing [such] the movement;

(2) When an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway; provided any person so doing shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed portion of the highway within [such] the distance [as to constitute] constituting an immediate hazard;

(3) Upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon; or

(4) Upon a roadway designated and signposted one-way traffic.

(b) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

(c) Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for moving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall be driven to the left of the center line of the roadway, except when authorized by official traffic-control devices designating certain lanes to the left side of the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use [such] the lanes, or except as permitted under subsection (a)(2). This subsection shall not be construed to prohibit the crossing of the center line in making a left turn into or from an alley, private road, or driveway.

(d) Upon Hana highway, between mile markers 00 and 34, if passing is made unsafe due to traffic in the opposite direction or other conditions, any vehicle proceeding upon the roadway, behind which five or more vehicles are formed in line with no more than thirty feet between each vehicle, shall turn off the roadway at the nearest place designated as a turnout by signs erected by the department of transportation, or wherever sufficient area for a safe turnout exists, in order to permit those other vehicles to proceed."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________
	By Request

Report Title:

Maui County Package; Hana Highway; Traffic Safety

Description:

Requires vehicles on certain areas of Hana highway, behind which a certain number of vehicles are formed in a line, to use turnouts on the highway to let those other vehicles proceed when passing is unsafe.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.