STAND. COM. REP. NO. 3234
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 2526
H.D. 2
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Second State Legislature
Regular Session of 2024
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 2526, H.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR VEHICLES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Increase the penalty for a third or subsequent
offense involving the unauthorized driving or operation of motor
vehicles to a class C felony; and
(2) Authorize the court, as part of the person's sentencing for the third or subsequent offense, to order that the vehicle used by the person in the commission of the offense be subject to forfeiture.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu and three individuals.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender.
Your Committee finds that overall traffic fatalities and injuries have increased in recent years throughout the State. Your Committee further finds that there has also been a dramatic increase in traffic violations committed by repeat offenders, including driving without a license and speeding. This measure will prioritize the safety of Hawaii residents by creating greater deterrents for those who engage in dangerous driving behaviors.
Your
Committee has amended this measure by making it effective on July 1, 2024.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2526, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2526, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,
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________________________________ CHRIS LEE, Chair |
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