STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1259

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2021

RE: H.R. No. 156

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2021

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.R. No. 156 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE COUNTIES TO DEVELOP AN OPTION TO ALLOW RESIDENTS TO REMIT MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION TAXES AND FEES ON A PRO-RATED BIANNUAL BASIS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request the counties to develop an option to allow residents to remit motor vehicle registration taxes and fees on a pro-rated basis and consider a moratorium for these charges.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from five individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Transportation.

Your Committee finds that the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of the extraordinary governmental responses to mitigate the transmission of the virus have placed a substantial financial strain on Hawaii families. Your Committee further finds that the annual taxes and fees collected for the registration of motor vehicles may be substantial and have a dire impact on low-income families. Providing for a moratorium and alternative payment plans, as requested in this measure, would alleviate the financial burden of these taxes and fees on low-income families and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Amending the title to read, "REQUESTING THE COUNTIES TO DEVELOP AN OPTION TO ALLOW HAWAII RESIDENTS TO REMIT MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION TAXES AND FEES ON A PRO-RATED BIANNUAL BASIS.";

(2) Specifying that certified copies of the measure be transmitted to the Mayors of each county and Chairpersons of each county council; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 156, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.R. No. 156, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair