STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1661

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: S.B. No. 1008

H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 1008, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PARKING,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Repeal the requirement that a public or private entity that provides a parking space for persons with disabilities comply with laws governing parking for disabled persons, including any penalties; and

(2) Authorize each county to adopt ordinances to enforce the accessible parking space requirements for parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities and electric vehicles.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Disability and Communication Access Board; one member of the Maui County Council; Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization; and four individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Retail Merchants of Hawaii and one individual.

Your Committee finds that the designated parking program for individuals with disabilities was created to provide accessible parking for those with mobility challenges. However, widespread misuse and inadequate enforcement have made it difficult for legitimate users to access these spaces. Your Committee also finds that the State has taken significant steps to promote electric vehicle adoption as part of its broader sustainability goals and charging spaces are critical for electric vehicle users to ensure they have the necessary power to reach their destinations. When non-electric vehicles occupy these spaces, it not only removes a key incentive for clean energy transportation but also creates obstacles for drivers who depend on charging availability. To address these issues, this measure grants counties the authority to establish and enforce regulations that protect access to accessible parking and electric vehicle charging stations, ensuring they serve their intended purposes without obstruction.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1008, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair