STAND.
COM. REP. NO. 1220-22
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2022
RE: S.B. No. 2159
S.D. 2
H.D. 1
Honorable Scott K. Saiki
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-First State Legislature
Regular Session of 2022
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred S.B. No. 2159, S.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LEAF BLOWERS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to amend the law restricting the use of leaf blowers by:
(1) Removing the exception for government entities and their agents, but allowing government entities and their agents to use leaf blowers during the prohibited hours in cases of emergency; and
(2) Defining "residential zone".
Your Committee finds that noise pollution is a prevalent and increasing problem in the State. Exposure to excessively loud noise, such as the kind emitted from combustion engine-powered leaf blowers, can result in physiological, psychological, and economic damage. Residents in many high density communities in the State are bombarded by continuous and excessively loud noise emitted by leaf blowers, which interferes with their ability to live in a healthy and peaceful environment and may have a negative impact on their health and welfare.
Your Committee additionally finds under existing law, government entities are exempt from the restrictions on leaf blowers. This measure appropriately limits the exemption to only in cases of emergency.
Your Committee has amended this measure by clarifying that "emergency" has the same meaning as that term is defined under the State's emergency management laws.
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 is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2159, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2159, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,
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____________________________ AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair |
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