HB 1286: RELATING TO PEDESTRIAN SAFETY.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO PEDESTRIAN SAFETY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 291C-76, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

     "(b)  [Where sidewalks are not provided any] Any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway where no sidewalks are provided shall, when practicable, walk only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing traffic, which may approach from the opposite direction[.]; provided that no pedestrian shall walk along or upon a roadway designated as:

     (1)  An interstate highway;

     (2)  Auxiliary interstate highway; or

     (3)  State highway unless a clearly designated sidewalk is provided on the state highway,

except while conducting authorized first responder duties or highway maintenance duties."

     SECTION 2.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Interstate Highways; Auxiliary Interstate Highways; State Highways; Pedestrians; Prohibition

Description:

Prohibits pedestrians from walking along the roadway of an interstate highway, an auxiliary interstate highway, or certain state highways except while conducting authorized first responder duties or highway maintenance duties.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to pedestrian safety.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 291C-76, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

     "(b)  [Where sidewalks are not provided any] Any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway where no sidewalks are provided shall, when practicable, walk only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction[.]; provided that no pedestrian shall walk along or upon a roadway designated as:

     (1)  An interstate highway;

     (2)  Auxiliary interstate highway; or

     (3)  State highway unless a clearly designated sidewalk is provided on the state highway,

except while conducting authorized first responder duties or highway maintenance duties."

     SECTION 2.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Interstate Highways; Auxiliary Interstate Highways; State Highways; Pedestrians; Prohibition

Description:

Prohibits pedestrians from walking along the roadway of an interstate highway, an auxiliary interstate highway, or certain state highways except while conducting authorized first responder duties or highway maintenance duties.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  552

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 1286

      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 Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 1286 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to prohibit pedestrians from walking along the roadway of an interstate highway, auxiliary interstate highway, or certain state highways, except while conducting authorized first responder duties or highway maintenance duties.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation and one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from Ulupono Initiative.

     Your Committee finds that pedestrian safety is a growing concern where high-seed traffic and limited pedestrian infrastructure pose significant risks.  Incidents involving pedestrians on highways have led to severe injuries and fatalities, highlighting the need for stricter regulations to protect public safety.  This measure will reduce potential accidents and enhance road safety for vehicles and pedestrians on the State's roads.

     Your Committee notes the concerns raised in written testimony by Ulupono Initiative that this measure could disproportionately impact communities that rely on vital, sidewalk-less routes found throughout the State.  Your Committee will continue to work with pertinent stakeholders to guarantee the safety of the public while also ensuring that these communities are not negatively impacted by this measure.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (2)  Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1286, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1286, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,