HB 228: License Plates; Obstruction; License Plate Flipping Devices; Prohibition; Fines
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-24
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-05-29: Act 124, on 05/29/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1224).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
This bill makes it illegal for anyone to use, buy, sell, install, or distribute license plate "flipping" devices and also bans any cover or shield placed over a license plate on motor vehicles driven on public roads. A flipping device is defined as a manual, electric, or mechanical tool that switches between plates or flips a plate so the number is not visible. The bill sets fines of $750–$1,000 for each flipping-device violation and $500–$1,000 for each day a plate is covered, with each act or day treated as a separate offense.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Prohibits the use of license plate flipping devices. Prohibits the obstruction of a license plate. Establishes minimum and maximum fines. (CD1)
Prohibits the use of license plate flipping devices. Establishes minimum and maximum fines. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)
Prohibits the use of license plate flipping devices. Establishes minimum and maximum fines. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
Authorizes the counties to adopt rules for the use of electronic license plates and for intentionally obscuring a license plate with a cover or shield. Prohibits the use of license plate flipping devices. Establishes minimum and maximum fines. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Authorizes the counties to adopt rules for the use of electronic license plates. Prohibits the use of license plate flipping devices. Establishes minimum fines for intentionally obscuring a license plate with a cover or shield.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
228 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 2 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO LICENSE PLATES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§286- License plate flipping devices; prohibited. (a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle with, possess, purchase, install, sell, offer for sale, or otherwise distribute a license plate flipping device. This section shall apply to any motor vehicle operated on public roadways in the State, regardless of the jurisdiction of registration. Each act described in this subsection shall constitute a separate and distinct violation, regardless of whether multiple acts occur simultaneously or are committed in connection with other violations.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person who violates this section shall be fined no less than $750 but no more than $1,000 for each separate violation. Each instance of a violation shall constitute a separate offense.
(c) For the purposes of this section, "license plate flipping device" means a manual, electric, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle that:
(1) Switches between two or more license plates for the purpose of allowing a motor vehicle operator to change the license plate displayed on the vehicle; or
(2) Hides a license plate from view by flipping the license plate so that the plate number is not visible."
§286- Obstruction of a license plate; prohibited. The use of any cover or shield installed over a vehicle's license plate, regardless of transparency or intent, shall be prohibited. Any person who violates this section shall be fined no less than $500 and no more than $1,000 for each offense. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense. For the purposes of this section, "cover" or "shield" means any device, material, or film—whether clear, tinted, mirrored, reflective, or otherwise that is installed over or affixed to a license plate, and is intended to alter or interfere with the visibility, legibility, or identification of the license plate by law enforcement or traffic enforcement systems."
SECTION 2. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
License Plates; Obstruction; License Plate Flipping Devices; Prohibition; Fines
Description:
Prohibits the use of license plate flipping devices. Prohibits the obstruction of a license plate. Establishes minimum and maximum fines. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
228 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 2 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO LICENSE PLATES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§286- License plate flipping devices; prohibited. (a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle with, possess, purchase, install, sell, offer for sale, or otherwise distribute a license plate flipping device.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person who violates this section shall be fined no less than $750 but no more than $1,000 for each separate violation.
(c) For the purposes of this section, "license plate flipping device" means a manual, electric, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle that:
(1) Switches between two or more license plates for the purpose of allowing a motor vehicle operator to change the license plate displayed on the operator's motor vehicle; or
(2) Hides a license plate from view by flipping the license plate so that the plate number is not visible."
§286- Obscuring of a license plate; prohibited. Obscuring a vehicle's license plate through the use of a cover or shield shall be prohibited. Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of no less than $500 but no more than $1,000 for each offense. For the purposes of this section, "cover" or "shield" means a device installed over a vehicle's license plate, often made of clear or tinted material, designed to, among other things, obscure the plate to avoid identification by law enforcement and traffic control devices."
SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
License Plates; Electronic License Plates; License Plate Flipping Devices; Prohibition; Fines
Description:
Prohibits the use of license plate flipping devices. Establishes minimum and maximum fines. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
228 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO LICENSE PLATES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§286- License plate flipping devices; prohibited. (a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle with, possess, purchase, install, sell, offer for sale, or otherwise distribute a license plate flipping device.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person who violates this section shall be fined no less than $750 but no more than $1,000 for each separate violation.
(c) For the purpose of this section "license plate flipping device" means a manual, electric, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle that:
(1) Switches between two or more license plates for the purpose of allowing a motor vehicle operator to change the license plate displayed on the operator's motor vehicle; or
(2) Hides a license plate from view by flipping the license plate so that the plate number is not visible.
§286- Obscuring of a license plate; prohibited. Obscuring a vehicle's license plate through the use of a cover or shield shall be prohibited. Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of no less than $500 but no more than $1,000 for each offense."
SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
License Plates; Electronic License Plates; License Plate Flipping Devices; Prohibition; Fines
Description:
Prohibits the use of license plate flipping devices. Establishes minimum and maximum fines. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
228 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO LICENSE PLATES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 249, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§249- Electronic license plates. Each county may adopt rules, including the assessment of any reasonable fees, authorizing the use of an electronic license plate in lieu of one or both physical license plates furnished by the director of finance; provided that:
(1) The displayed electronic license plate shall comply with all the requirements of sections 249-9 and 249-12, as applicable;
(2) The owner of the vehicle shall be solely responsible for purchasing the electronic license plate display device from an authorized manufacturer; and
(3) The electronic license plate shall not display a plate number other than the number registered to the vehicle."
SECTION 2. Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§286- License plate flipping devices; prohibited. (a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle with, possess, purchase, install, sell, offer for sale, or otherwise distribute a license plate flipping device.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person who violates this section shall be fined no less than $750 but no more than $1,000 for each separate violation.
(c) For the purpose of this section "license plate flipping device" means a manual, electric, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle that:
(1) Switches between two or more license plates for the purpose of allowing a motor vehicle operator to change the license plate displayed on the operator's motor vehicle; or
(2) Hides a license plate from view by flipping the license plate so that the plate number is not visible.
§286- Intentional obscuring of a license plate prohibited. Intentionally obscuring a vehicle's license plate through the use of a cover or shield shall be prohibited. Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of no less than $500 but no more than $1,000 for each offense."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
License Plates; Electronic License Plates; License Plate Flipping Devices; Prohibition; Fines
Description:
Authorizes the counties to adopt rules for the use of electronic license plates and for intentionally obscuring a license plate with a cover or shield. Prohibits the use of license plate flipping devices. Establishes minimum and maximum fines. 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.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
228 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to License plates.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 249, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§249- Electronic license plates. Each county may adopt rules, including the assessment of any reasonable fees, authorizing the use of an electronic license plate in lieu of one or both physical license plates furnished by the director of finance; provided that:
(1) The displayed electronic license plate shall comply with all the requirements of sections 249-9 and 249-12, as applicable;
(2) The owner of the vehicle shall be solely responsible for purchasing the electronic license plate display device from an authorized manufacturer; and
(3) The electronic license plate shall not display a plate number other than the number registered to the vehicle."
SECTION 2. Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§286- License plate flipping devices; prohibited. (a) No person shall operate a motor vehicle with, possess, purchase, install, sell, offer for sale, or otherwise distribute a license plate flipping device.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, any person who violates this section shall be fined no more than $ for each separate violation.
(c) For the purpose of this section "license plate flipping device" means a manual, electric, or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle that:
(1) Switches between two or more license plates for the purpose of allowing a motor vehicle operator to change the license plate displayed on the operator's motor vehicle; or
(2) Hides a license plate from view by flipping the license plate so that the plate number is not visible.
§286- Intentional obscuring of a license plate prohibited. Intentionally obscuring a vehicle's license plate through the use of a cover or shield shall be prohibited. Any violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $ for each offense."
SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
License Plates; Electronic License Plates; License Plate Flipping Devices; Prohibition; Fines
Description:
Authorizes the counties to adopt rules for the use of electronic license plates. Prohibits the use of license plate flipping devices. Establishes minimum fines for intentionally obscuring a license plate with a cover or shield.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| May 29, 2025 | Act 124, on 05/29/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1224). |
| May 29, 2025 | Act 124, 05/29/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1224). |
| May 1, 2025 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 2, 2025 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 821). |
| May 1, 2025 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 888). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with Representative(s) Souza voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Muraoka voting no (2) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) Awa). Excused, 0 (none). |
| Apr 24, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 04-30-25 |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 82). |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-30-25. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 82) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 24, 2025 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Kila, Tarnas, Grandinetti, Muraoka; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Fukunaga, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Chang. |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-24-25 10:30AM; Conference Room 329. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Received notice of change in Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 864). |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Senate Conferees Changed: Senator Keohokalole discharged as Co-Chair. Senator Fukunaga added as Co-Chair. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-23-25 10:30AM; Conference Room 329. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-22-25 10:30AM; Conference Room 329. |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Monday, 04-21-25 9:00AM in conference room 329. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 790). |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Lee, C. Chairs; Keohokalole, Chang Co-Chairs; Fevella. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 732). |
| Apr 14, 2025 | House Conferees Appointed: Kila, Tarnas, Grandinetti Co-Chairs; Muraoka. |
| Apr 11, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 704). |
| Apr 10, 2025 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 605) in amended form (SD 2). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 1 (Senator(s) Awa). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice 04-08-25. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Reported from CPN/JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1727) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). |
| Apr 1, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) San Buenaventura. |
| Apr 1, 2025 | The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, McKelvey, Richards; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 1 No(es): Senator(s) Awa; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 24, 2025 | The committee(s) on CPN/JDC will hold a public decision making on 04-01-25 9:30AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to CPN/JDC. |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Reported from TCA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1306) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to CPN/JDC. |
| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee(s) on TCA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in TCA were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Lee, C., Inouye, Elefante, Kanuha, DeCorte; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 11, 2025 | The committee(s) on TCA deferred the measure until 03-13-25 3:02PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 7, 2025 | The committee(s) on TCA has scheduled a public hearing on 03-11-25 3:00PM; Conference Room 224 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Referred to TCA, CPN/JDC. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 90). |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Shimizu voting no (2) and Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick, Templo, Ward excused (4). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 927), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 13 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 3 Excused: Representative(s) Lee, M., Alcos, Ward. |
| Feb 19, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Friday, 02-21-25 12:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 14, 2025 | Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Muraoka voting no (2) and Representative(s) Cochran, Matayoshi, Poepoe, Ward excused (4). |
| Feb 14, 2025 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 699), recommending referral to FIN. |
| Feb 12, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Hashem, Kahaloa, Perruso, Takayama, Todd, Garcia, Shimizu; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Cochran. |
| Feb 7, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Wednesday, 02-12-25 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 4, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on JHA with Representative(s) Matsumoto voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Muraoka voting no (2) and Representative(s) Cochran, Kong, Ward excused (3). |
| Feb 4, 2025 | Reported from TRN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 73) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to JHA. |
| Jan 28, 2025 | The committee on TRN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Kila, Grandinetti, Evslin, Kitagawa, La Chica, Miyake, Muraoka, Pierick; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Cochran. |
| Jan 24, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by TRN on Tuesday, 01-28-25 10:00AM in House conference room 430 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Referred to TRN, JHA, FIN, referral sheet 1 |
| Jan 17, 2025 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 16, 2025 | Pending introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 8, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 1, 2025 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
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| Apr 1, 2025 | The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection |
Passed |
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| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee(s) on TCA recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts |
Passed |
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| Feb 28, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 21, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Feb 12, 2025 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
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| Jan 28, 2025 | The committee on TRN recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Transportation |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement | ** Support | |
| Department of Law Enforcement | ** Support | |
| Department of Transportation | ** Support | |
| Hawaii Department of Transportation | *** Support | Apr 1, 2025 |
| Hawaii Transportation Association | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Workers Center | *** Support | Feb 12, 2025 |
| Papa Lauluz LLC | *** Support | Feb 21, 2025 |
| Sierra Club of Hawaiʻi (Executive Commission) | *** Support | Feb 12, 2025 |
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 82
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 228
H.D. 1
S.D. 2
C.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madam and Sir:
Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the House of Representatives to the amendments proposed by the Senate in H.B. No. 228, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LICENSE PLATES,"
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 prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices and obscuring a vehicle's license plate through the use of a cover or shield.
Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:
(1) Specifying that the prohibition on the use of license plate flipping devices applies to any motor vehicle operated on any public roadways in the State;
(2) Specifying that each prohibited act under this measure constitutes a separate and distinct violation;
(3) Clarifying the prohibition on obstructing a license plate, including the definition of "cover" or "shield";
(4) Inserting a savings clause;
(5) Changing the effective date to upon approval; and
(6) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
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 H.B. No. 228, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 228, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, C.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:
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ON THE PART OF THE SENATE |
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ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE |
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____________________________ CHRIS LEE Chair |
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____________________________ DARIUS KILA Co-Chair |
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____________________________ STANLEY CHANG Co-Chair |
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____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS Co-Chair |
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____________________________ CAROL FUKUNAGA Co-Chair |
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____________________________ TINA NAKADA GRANDINETTI Co-Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1727
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 228
H.D. 1
S.D. 2
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 228, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LICENSE PLATES,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices; and
(2) Establish minimum and maximum fines.
Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Transportation, and one individual.
Your Committees find that license plate flipping devices are mechanisms that allow drivers to switch, conceal, or alter their vehicle's license plates while driving. These devices are primarily used to evade law enforcement, avoid tolls, circumvent traffic cameras, and facilitate criminal activities. These devices have been a growing concern for law enforcement and their ability to properly identify vehicles involved in criminal activities. Your Committees further find that license plate visibility and integrity are essential components of the State's traffic safety system. This measure closes loopholes to prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices and establish fines to deter those who might consider using such devices to evade identification.
Your Committees have amended this measure by:
(1) Adding a definition for "cover or shield"; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 228, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 228, H.D. 1, S.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Judiciary,
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________________________________ KARL RHOADS, Chair |
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________________________________ JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1306
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 228
H.D. 1
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 Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 228, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LICENSE PLATES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Authorize the counties to adopt rules for the use of electronic license plates and for intentionally obscuring a license plate with a cover or shield;
(2) Prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices; and
(3) Establish minimum and maximum fines.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation and Department of Law Enforcement.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.
Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Division of Motor Vehicles of the Department of Customer Services of the City and County of Honolulu.
Your Committee finds that license plates serve as critical identifiers for vehicles involved in criminal activities, traffic violations, and other public safety matters. Devices or methods that obscure or alter license plates are often employed specifically to evade identification by law enforcement and automated systems like traffic cameras and toll collection devices. This measure is necessary for enhancing public safety and law enforcement activities.
Your Committee notes the comments raised in testimony submitted by the Division of Motor Vehicles of the Department of Customer Services of the City and County of Honolulu regarding the delegation of administrative rulemaking authority to regulate electronic license plates. Your Committee acknowledges the challenges of the implementation of electronic license plates on a county level.
Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Deleting language that would have allowed the counties to adopt rules authorizing the use of an electronic license plate in lieu of physical license plates furnished by the Director of Finance;
(3) Making a technical, nonsubstantive amendment for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
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. 228, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 228, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and 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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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 927
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 228
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 Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 228, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LICENSE PLATES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Authorize the counties to adopt rules for the use of electronic license plates;
(2) Prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices; and
(3) Prohibit intentionally obscuring a license plate with a cover or shield.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 228, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 699
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 228
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 H.B. No. 228, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LICENSE PLATES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Authorize the counties to adopt rules for the use of electronic license plates;
(2) Prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices; and
(3) Prohibit intentionally obscuring a license plate with a cover or shield.
Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Customer Services of the City and County of Honolulu.
Your Committee finds that the prohibitions on license plate flipping devices and intentionally obscuring a license plate through the use of a cover or shield will facilitate highway safety enforcement efforts, including automated enforcement efforts such as the red-light safety program and speed safety cameras.
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 H.B. No. 228, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,
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____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 73
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 228
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. 228 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO LICENSE PLATES,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Authorize the counties to adopt rules for the use of electronic license plates;
(2) Prohibit the use of license plate flipping devices; and
(3) Establish maximum fines for intentionally obscuring a license plate with a cover or shield.
Your Committee finds that the Department of Transportation's Automated Speed Enforcement Systems Program relies on the ability to accurately identify the license plate of motor vehicles and that the use of license plate flipping devices are intentional attempts to avoid identification. This measure seeks to take a proactive approach to prevent the potential use of license plate flipping devices to ensure law enforcement can effectively track and identify vehicles involved in illegal activities.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Inserting a minimum fine amount of $750 and a maximum fine amount of $1,000 for violating the prohibition on license plate flipping devices;
(2) Inserting a minimum fine amount of $500 and a maximum fine amount of $1,000 for violating the prohibition on intentionally obscuring a vehicle's license plate with a cover or shield; and
(3) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.
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. 228, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 228, 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,
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____________________________ DARIUS KILA, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Apr 1, 2025 | HB228_SD1_TESTIMONY_CPN-JDC_04-01-25_.PDF |
| Mar 11, 2025 | HB228_HD1_TESTIMONY_TCA_03-11-25_.PDF |
| Feb 21, 2025 | HB228_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-21-25_.PDF |
| Feb 12, 2025 | HB228_HD1_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-12-25_.PDF |
| Jan 27, 2025 | HB228_TESTIMONY_TRN_01-28-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
Conference Committee
3MIN
Conference Committee
16MIN
House Standing Committee on Health
16MIN
House Standing Committee on Human Services & Homelessness
48SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts
32SEC
House Standing Committee on Finance
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs
37SEC
House Standing Committee on Transportation
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
