STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1026

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 344

S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 344, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the use of a safety helmet by anyone under the age of sixteen while riding a skateboard on roadways and streets.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, AAA Hawaiʻi, and one individual.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that skateboard accidents on roadways and streets can result in serious injury to the skateboard user, including head trauma. Your Committee also finds that existing law in the State protects bicyclists under the age of sixteen from head trauma by requiring operators to wear a helmet. Your Committee believes that, given the neurologic outcomes of head trauma and functional consequences of facial fractures, especially among adolescents, more aggressive helmet use for skateboard users is necessary. This measure will reduce the risk of head injuries and provide additional protection for all roadway users.

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. 344, 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