STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2960

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2158

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 2158 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE USE OF SIRENS BY EMERGENCY VEHICLES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to provide flexibility in the use of sirens by emergency response vehicles in certain circumstances.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Chinatown Gateway Plaza Tenant Association, two individuals, and a petition containing the signatures of approximately ninety-six individuals.

Your Committee finds that the City and County of Honolulu has ordinances expressing that emergency vehicles should use sirens "as may be reasonably necessary". Your Committee further finds that the unnecessary use of a siren contributes to noise pollution, particularly in densely populated residential areas. This measure will promote the reduction of noise pollution by providing flexibility in the use of sirens by emergency response vehicles in certain circumstances.

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. 2158 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

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KARL RHOADS, Chair