STAND. COM. REP. NO. 851

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 497

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 497, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL VEHICLES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

(1) Prohibit commercial vehicles weighing ten thousand pounds or more from driving in the left lane on all roadways with two lanes unless the commercial vehicle is able to maintain speed with existing traffic flow and is in the process of passing another vehicle;

(2) Provide exceptions for commercial vehicles turning or exiting left, or preparing to turn or exit left;

(3) Prohibit commercial vehicles weighing ten thousand pounds or more from driving in the left lane on all roadways with three or more lanes; and

(4) Exempt buses and van pools operated by the counties.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation Services of the City and County of Honolulu. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Hawaii Transportation Association. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Transportation.

Your Committee finds that traffic mitigation strategies allow roadway users to safely navigate across the State. Improvement of traffic flow on state roadways also decreases the likelihood of traffic congestion and motor vehicle collisions that may cause serious injuries or death. Oversized vehicles especially have the potential to slow traffic flow for smaller vehicles by restricting their operation in the left lane of roadways. This measure ensures the safety of all roadway users while also addressing traffic flow solutions.

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. 497, S.D. 1, 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