CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 68-24

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2024

RE: S.B. No. 2350

S.D. 2

H.D. 2

C.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2024

State of Hawaii

Sirs:

Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the Senate to the amendments proposed by the House of Representatives in S.B. No. 2350, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO NOISE POLLUTION,"

having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish a separate prohibition on driving motor vehicles with noisy mufflers on public highways in high density population areas;

(2) Establish separate fines for violations of motor scooter and motor vehicle muffler laws; and

(3) Define "high density population areas".

Your Committee on Conference finds that while existing law prohibits vehicle owners from installing mufflers that increase the noise of their vehicle, the penalties are too minimal to deter violations. Your Committee on Conference further finds that establishing more stringent laws regarding motor vehicle and motor scooter mufflers will reduce noise, improve public health and safety, and allow residents and visitors in the State to enjoy peace and a higher quality of life.

Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:

(1) Making it effective upon its approval; and

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

As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2350, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2350, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE

ON THE PART OF THE SENATE

____________________________ CHRIS TODD Co-Chair	____________________________ CHRIS LEE Chair
____________________________ ADRIAN K. TAM Co-Chair	____________________________ KARL RHOADS Co-Chair