STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3158

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2234

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2234 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE USE OF INTOXICANTS WHILE OPERATING A VEHICLE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to lower the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold for the offense of operating a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, one member of the Maui County Council, Maui Police Department, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu, National Safety Council, Hawaii Bicycling League, and one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender, American Beverage Institute, Hawaii Bar Owners Association, Wine Institute, and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Hawaii ranks fifth worst in the nation for the percentage of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities. The National Transportation Safety Board recommends that all states lower the BAC threshold to .05 percent or lower. This measure lowers the BAC threshold to this recommended level in an effort to deter drunk driving and save lives.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2234 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

________________________________

KARL RHOADS, Chair