STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2539

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3173

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred S.B. No. 3173 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to enhance current laws by increasing the minimum and potential maximum fine for violating various Hawaii loud muffler laws.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from three individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that Hawaii residents have complained about the growing noise pollution and disturbance from loud mufflers on motor vehicles, primarily motorcycles. Your Committee further finds that the noise level adversely affects residents' sleep, particularly in the early morning hour or late at night. Your Committee additionally finds that the noise may have impacts on public health and safety, as well as peaceful enjoyment and quality of life. Moreover, your Committee finds that while current laws prohibit vehicle owners from installing mufflers that increase the noise of their vehicle, the penalties are minimal and are ineffective in deterring violators of the current muffler laws. In fact, violators are known to add the enhanced noise mufflers as soon as they have passed the county vehicle safety check. This measure will enhance current laws by increasing the minimum and potential maximum fine for violating sections 291-22, 291-24, and 291-24.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which prohibit the installation and sale of noisy mufflers.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3173 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

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

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LORRAINE R. INOUYE, Chair