SB 1667: DOT; State Highway Safety and Modernization Council; Safe Routes to Schools Advisory Committee; Annual Reports; District Courts; Appropriations

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION.

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

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 264, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§264-     National Association of City Transportation Officials' standards; American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' standards.  (a)  When planning and managing state highways, in areas where state highways bisect communities with residential areas and commercial areas immediately along a highway, design features and speeds shall be determined by the National Association of City Transportation Officials' standards, which are better suited for lower speed urban and rural communities.

     (b)  In areas where state highways do not bisect communities with residential areas and commercial areas immediately along a highway, design features and speeds shall be determined by American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' standards, which are better suited for the efficient movement of vehicles and people."

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§286-     State highway safety and modernization council; photo red light imaging detector systems; additional responsibilities.  (a)  The state highway safety and modernization council shall:

     (1)  Identify the one hundred most-dangerous intersections in the State based on fatality, injury, and crash data since January 1, 2014;

     (2)  Examine and identify vehicles or classes of vehicles that are more dangerous and likely to cause fatalities and injuries on the State's roadways;

     (3)  Examine vehicle weight, registration, and other related taxes or fees throughout the United States;

     (4)  Examine and identify communities and areas where there is a single ingress or egress, or otherwise limited access, that may create risk to communities during emergencies;

     (5)  Develop proposals for minimal emergency ingress and egress routes that shall be accessible to vehicles as one-way exit routes during emergencies or extreme congestion where emergency services may be jeopardized but may be available for pedestrian, bicycle, or similar access;

     (6)  Prioritize proposals for emergency egress routes in areas with significant populations of Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households, as well as communities and households experiencing high levels of poverty.  Consideration shall be given to data from sources such as the United Way ALICE report; United States Census Bureau American Community Survey; Hawaii household data from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and department of business, economic development, and tourism; tax and social services data; geographic information system mapping; economic studies; and any other relevant data sources; and

     (7)  Submit:

          (A)  A list of five areas, with at least one area to be considered on the Waianae coast of Oahu, to be addressed from the developed proposals for minimal emergency ingress and egress routes under paragraph (5) to the department of transportation; and

          (B)  Recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature,

          no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026;

provided that this section shall be implemented in compliance with applicable federal and state emergency management regulations to ensure alignment with established disaster response and evacuation protocols.

     (b)  The state highway safety and modernization council, in coordination with the department of transportation, may select up to ten intersections where the department of transportation may install photo red light imaging detector systems in addition to those currently operating, pursuant to chapter 291J, where feasible on an annual basis; provided that signals shall be changed so pedestrians have no less than a four-second lead time to begin crossing the intersection before vehicles being permitted to proceed at each intersection where a photo red light imaging detector system is installed; provided further that citations shall not be issued for any photo red light imaging detector system installed pursuant to this subsection before July 1, 2027.

     (c)  The department of transportation and county transportation agencies shall assist the state highway safety and modernization council in developing actionable projects to implement for areas of minimal emergency ingress and egress.

     (d)  The state highway safety and modernization council shall submit an annual report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."

     SECTION 3.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:

     1.  By adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read:

     "§291C-A  Safe routes to school advisory committee; automated speed enforcement systems; school zones.  (a)  The safe routes to school advisory committee, in coordination with the department of transportation, shall identify ten of the most-dangerous school zones in the State based on fatality, injury, and crash data since January 1, 2014, and any outreach and complaints from schools and the surrounding community, where feasible on an annual basis.

     (b)  The department of transportation or county transportation agencies may install additional automated speed enforcement systems pursuant to chapter 291L, at school zone locations that the safe routes to school advisory committee identifies as dangerous; provided that any enforcement system shall be positioned no more than two hundred feet from the school property in each school zone; provided further that citations shall not be issued for any automated speed enforcement system installed pursuant to this subsection before July 1, 2027.

     (c)  The safe routes to school advisory committee shall submit an annual report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."

     2.  By adding a new section to part VII to be appropriately designated and read:

     "§291C-B  Vehicles blocking crosswalks.  Vehicles stopped on and blocking any marked crosswalk at any time, except during emergencies or when ordered by law enforcement, shall be subject to a fine no greater than $500.  The placement of signs or curb markings at the crosswalk shall not be necessary for the purposes of enforcing this section."

     SECTION 4.  Chapter 291J, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291J-     Expansion of program; impact on courts.  Any expansion of the photo red light imaging detector systems program shall account for its impact on the district courts statewide and provide up to twelve months from the time an area is selected for installation of a photo red light imaging detector system pursuant to section 286-    for the judiciary to collaborate with the department before implementing any expansion of the program."

     SECTION 5.  Chapter 291L, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291L-     Expansion of program; impact on courts.  Any expansion of the automated speed enforcement systems program shall account for its impact on the district courts statewide and provide up to twelve months from the time an area is selected for installation of an automated speed enforcement system pursuant to section 291C-A for the judiciary to collaborate with the department before implementing any expansion of the program."

     SECTION 6.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to coordinate with the metropolitan planning organizations for training and education for all levels of government focused on traffic safety, multimodal and pedestrian infrastructure, and other priorities as may be appropriate.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 7.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to effectuate the purposes of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 8.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to update the judiciary's information management system to pull data from law enforcement traffic citations and transfer the data into court records.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 9.  If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are severable.

     SECTION 10.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 11.  In codifying the new sections added by section 3 of this Act, the revisor of statutes shall substitute appropriate section numbers for the letters used in designating the new sections in this Act.

     SECTION 12.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 13.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOT; State Highway Safety and Modernization Council; Safe Routes to Schools Advisory Committee; Annual Reports; District Courts; Appropriations

Description:

Requires, when planning and managing state highways, in certain areas to be determined by certain national standards.  Establishes requirements for the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council.  Authorizes the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council to select potential areas for the Department of Transportation to install additional photo red light imaging detector systems.  Prohibits any vehicles from blocking marked crosswalks.  Authorizes the Department of Transportation to implement additional automated speed enforcement systems in school zones as designated by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee.  Requires annual reports.  Requires the Department of Transportation to collaborate with the Judiciary before any expansion of the photo red light imaging detector and automated speed enforcement systems.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD3)

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 TRANSPORTATION.

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

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 264, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§264-     National Association of City Transportation Officials' standards; American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' standards.  (a)  When planning and managing state highways, in areas where state highways bisect communities with residential areas and commercial areas immediately along a highway, design features and speeds shall be determined by the National Association of City Transportation Officials' standards, which are better suited for lower speed urban and rural communities.

     (b)  In areas where state highways do not bisect communities with residential areas and commercial areas immediately along a highway, design features and speeds shall be determined by American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' standards, which are better suited for the efficient movement of vehicles and people."

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 286, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part I to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§286-     State highway safety and modernization council; photo red light imaging detector systems; additional responsibilities.  (a)  The state highway safety and modernization council shall:

     (1)  Identify the one hundred most-dangerous intersections in the State based on fatality, injury, and crash data since January 1, 2014;

     (2)  Examine and identify vehicles or classes of vehicles that are more dangerous and likely to cause fatalities and injuries on the State's roadways;

     (3)  Examine vehicle weight, registration, and other related taxes or fees throughout the United States;

     (4)  Examine and identify communities and areas where there is a single ingress or egress, or otherwise limited access, that may create risk to communities during emergencies;

     (5)  Develop proposals for minimal emergency ingress and egress routes that shall be accessible to vehicles as one-way exit routes during emergencies or extreme congestion where emergency services may be jeopardized but may be available for pedestrian, bicycle, or similar access;

     (6)  Prioritize proposals for emergency egress routes in areas with significant populations of Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households, as well as communities and households experiencing high levels of poverty.  Consideration shall be given to data from sources such as the United Way ALICE report; United States Census Bureau American Community Survey; Hawaii household data from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and department of business, economic development, and tourism; tax and social services data; geographic information system mapping; economic studies; and any other relevant data sources; and

     (7)  Submit:

          (A)  A list of five areas, with at least one area to be considered on the Waianae coast of Oahu, to be addressed from the developed proposals for minimal emergency ingress and egress routes under paragraph (5) to the department of transportation; and

          (B)  Recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature,

          no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026;

provided that this section shall be implemented in compliance with applicable federal and state emergency management regulations to ensure alignment with established disaster response and evacuation protocols.

     (b)  The state highway safety and modernization council, in coordination with the department of transportation, may select up to ten intersections where the department of transportation may install photo red light imaging detector systems in addition to those currently operating, pursuant to chapter 291J, where feasible on an annual basis; provided that signals shall be changed so pedestrians have no less than a four-second lead time to begin crossing the intersection before vehicles being permitted to proceed at each intersection where a photo red light imaging detector system is installed; provided further that citations shall not be issued for any photo red light imaging detector system installed pursuant to this subsection before July 1, 2027.

     (c)  The department of transportation and county transportation agencies shall assist the state highway safety and modernization council in developing actionable projects to implement for areas of minimal emergency ingress and egress.

     (d)  The state highway safety and modernization council shall submit an annual report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."

     SECTION 3.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291C-     Vehicles blocking crosswalks.  Vehicles stopped on and blocking any marked crosswalk at any time shall be subject to a fine no greater than $500, excepting situations of emergency or unless ordered by law enforcement.  The placement of signs or curb markings at the crosswalk shall not be necessary for the purposes of enforcing this section.

     §291C-     Safe routes to school advisory committee; automated speed enforcement systems; school zones.  (a)  The safe routes to school advisory committee, in coordination with the department of transportation, shall identify ten of the most-dangerous school zones in the State based on fatality, injury, and crash data since January 1, 2014, and any outreach and complaints from schools and the surrounding community, where feasible on an annual basis.

     (b)  The department of transportation or county transportation agencies may install additional automated speed enforcement systems pursuant to chapter 291L, at school zone locations that the safe routes to school advisory committee identifies as dangerous; provided that any enforcement system shall be positioned no more than two hundred feet from the school property in each school zone; provided further that citations shall not be issued for any automated speed enforcement system installed pursuant to this subsection before July 1, 2027.

     (c)  The safe routes to school advisory committee shall submit an annual report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session."

     SECTION 4.  Chapter 291J, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291J-     Expansion of program; impact on courts.  Any expansion of the photo red light imaging detector systems program shall account for its impact on the district courts statewide and provide up to twelve months from the time of identification for the courts to collaborate with the department before implementing any expansion of the programs."

     SECTION 5.  Chapter 291L, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291L-     Expansion of program; impact on courts.  Any expansion of the automated speed enforcement systems program shall account for its impact on the district courts statewide and provide up to twelve months from the time of identification for the courts to collaborate with the department of transportation before implementing any expansion of the programs."

     SECTION 6.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to coordinate with the metropolitan planning organizations for training and education for all levels of government focused on traffic safety, multimodal and pedestrian infrastructure, and other priorities as may be appropriate.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 7.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to effectuate the purposes of this Act; provided that the department of transportation may transfer all or a portion of the appropriation in this section to county agencies to effectuate the purposes of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 8.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to update the judiciary's information management system to pull data from law enforcement traffic citations and transfer the data into court records.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 9.  If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are severable.

     SECTION 10.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 11.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 12.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOT; State Highway Safety and Modernization Council; Safe Routes to Schools Advisory Committee; Annual Reports; District Courts; Appropriations

Description:

Requires, when planning and managing state highways, in certain areas to be determined by certain national standards.  Establishes requirements for the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council.  Authorizes the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council to select potential areas for the Department of Transportation to install additional photo red light imaging detector systems.  Prohibits any vehicles from blocking marked crosswalks.  Authorizes the Department of Transportation to implement additional automated speed enforcement systems in school zones as designated by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee.  Requires annual reports.  Requires the Department of Transportation to collaborate with the courts before any expansion of the photo red light imaging detector and automated speed enforcement systems.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

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 TRANSPORTATION.

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

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291C-     Vehicles blocking crosswalks.  Vehicles stopped on and blocking any marked crosswalk at any time shall be subject to a fine no greater than $500, excepting situations of emergency or unless ordered by law enforcement.  The placement of signs or curb markings at the crosswalk shall not be necessary for the purposes of enforcing this section."

     SECTION 2.  Section 291-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§291-2  Reckless driving of vehicle or riding of animals; penalty.  Whoever operates any vehicle or rides any animal recklessly in disregard of the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving of vehicle or reckless riding of an animal, as appropriate, and shall [be]:

     (1)  Be fined [not] no more than $1,000 or imprisoned [not] no more than thirty days, or both[.];

     (2)  For an offense that occurs within five years of a prior conviction, be subject to a ninety-day license suspension; and

     (3)  For an offense that occurs within five years of two prior convictions, be subject to a license revocation of no more than two years, and complete an examination pursuant to section 286-108."

     SECTION 3.  Section 291E-15, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§291E-15  Refusal to submit to breath, blood, or urine test; subject to administrative revocation proceedings.  If a person under arrest refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, none shall be given, except as provided in section 291E-21, or pursuant to a search warrant issued by a judge upon a finding of probable cause supported by oath or affirmation, or pursuant to any other basis permissible under the Constitution of the State of Hawaii and laws of this State.  Upon the law enforcement officer's determination that the person under arrest has refused to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, if applicable, then a law enforcement officer shall:

     (1)  Inform the person under arrest of the sanctions under section 291E-41 or 291E-65; and

     (2)  Ask the person if the person still refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, thereby subjecting the person to the procedures and sanctions under part III or section 291E-65, as applicable;

provided that if the law enforcement officer fails to comply with paragraphs (1) and (2), the person shall not be subject to the refusal sanctions under part III or IV[.]; provided further that if the person continues to refuse to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test after the law enforcement officer complies with paragraph (2), the person shall surrender the person's license to the law enforcement officer."

     SECTION 4.  Section 291E-65, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

     "(c)  If the district judge finds the statements contained in the affidavit are true, the judge shall suspend the arrested person's license and privilege to operate a vehicle as follows:

     (1)  For a first suspension, or any suspension not preceded within a five-year period by a suspension under this section, for a period of [twelve months;] three years; and

     (2)  For any subsequent suspension under this section, for a period [not] no less than [two] three years and [not] no more than five years."

     SECTION 5.  (a)  The state highway safety and modernization council shall:

     (1)  Identify the one hundred most-dangerous intersections in the State based on fatality, injury, and crash data since January 1, 2014;

     (2)  Examine and identify vehicles or classes of vehicles that are more dangerous and likely to cause fatalities and injuries on the State's roadways;

     (3)  Examine vehicle weight, registration, and other related taxes or fees throughout the United States;

     (4)  Examine and identify communities and areas where there is a single ingress or egress, or otherwise limited access, that may create risk to communities during emergencies;

     (5)  Develop proposals for minimal emergency ingress and egress routes that shall be accessible to vehicles as one-way exit routes during emergencies or extreme congestion where emergency services may be jeopardized but may be available for pedestrian, bicycle, or similar access;

     (6)  Prioritize proposals for emergency egress routes in areas with significant populations of Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households, as well as communities and households experiencing high levels of poverty.  Consideration shall be given to data from sources such as the United Way ALICE report; United States Census Bureau American Community Survey; Hawaii household data from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and department of business, economic development, and tourism; tax and social services data; geographic information system mapping; economic studies; and any other relevant data sources; and

     (7)  Submit:

          (A)  A list of five areas, with at least one area to be considered on the Waianae coast of Oahu, to be addressed from the developed proposals for minimal emergency ingress and egress routes under paragraph (5) to the department of transportation; and

          (B)  Recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature,

          no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026;

provided that this section shall be implemented in compliance with applicable federal and state emergency management regulations to ensure alignment with established disaster response and evacuation protocols.

     (b)  The state highway safety and modernization council, in coordination with the department of transportation, may select up to ten intersections where the department of transportation may install photo red light imaging detector systems in addition to those currently operating, pursuant to chapter 291J, where feasible on an annual basis; provided that signals shall be changed so pedestrians have no less than a four-second lead time to begin crossing the intersection before vehicles being permitted to proceed at each intersection where a photo red light imaging detector system is installed; provided further that citations shall not be issued for any photo red light imaging detector system installed pursuant to this subsection before January 1, 2027.

     (c)  The department of transportation and county transportation agencies shall assist the state highway safety and modernization council to develop actionable projects to implement for areas of minimal emergency ingress and egress.

     (d)  The state highway safety and modernization council shall submit an annual report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.

     SECTION 6.  (a)  The safe routes to school advisory committee, in coordination with the department of transportation, shall identify ten of the most-dangerous school zones in the State based on fatality, injury, and crash data since January 1, 2014, and any outreach and complaints from schools and the surrounding community, where feasible on an annual basis.

     (b)  The department of transportation or county transportation agencies may install additional automated speed enforcement systems pursuant to chapter 291L, Hawaii Revised Statutes, at school zone locations that the safe routes to school advisory committee identifies as dangerous; provided that any enforcement system shall be positioned no more than two hundred feet from the school property in each school zone; provided further that citations shall not be issued for any automated speed enforcement system installed pursuant to this subsection before January 1, 2027.

     (c)  The safe routes to school advisory committee shall submit an annual report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session.

     SECTION 7.  Any expansion of the photo red light imaging detector systems program or automated speed enforcement systems program shall account for their impact on the district courts statewide and provide up to six months from the time of identification for the courts to collaborate with the department of transportation before implementing any expansion of the programs.

     SECTION 8.  (a)  When planning and managing state highways, in areas where state highways bisect communities with residential areas and commercial areas immediately along a highway, design features and speeds shall be determined by the National Association of City Transportation Officials' standards, which are better suited for lower speed urban and rural communities.

     (b)  In areas where state highways do not bisect communities with residential areas and commercial areas immediately along a highway, design features and speeds shall be determined by American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' standards, which are better suited for moving vehicles and people as quickly as possible.

     SECTION 9.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to coordinate with the metropolitan planning organizations for training and education for all levels of government focused on traffic safety, multimodal and pedestrian infrastructure, and other priorities as may be appropriate.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 10.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to effectuate the purposes of this Act; provided that the department of transportation may transfer all or a portion of the appropriation in this section to county agencies to effectuate the purposes of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 11.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to update the judiciary's information management system to pull data from law enforcement traffic citations and transfer the data into court records.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 12.  If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are severable.

     SECTION 13.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 14.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 15.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DOT; State Highway Safety and Modernization Council; Safe Routes to Schools Advisory Committee; Penalties; Reckless Driving; Crosswalks; Driving Under the Influence; Annual Reports; District Courts; Appropriations

Description:

Prohibits any vehicles from blocking marked crosswalks.  Requires a person under arrest who refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to surrender their license to a law enforcement officer.  Increases the duration of the suspension of a license when a person is arrested for driving under the influence and refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test.  Establishes requirements for the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council.  Authorizes the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council to select potential areas for the Department of Transportation to install additional photo red light imaging detector systems.  Authorizes the Department of Transportation to implement additional automated speed enforcement systems in school zones as designated by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee.  Requires annual reports.  Requires the Department of Transportation to collaborate with the courts before any expansion of the safety camera systems.  Appropriates funds.  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 TRANSPORTATION.

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

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291C-     Vehicles blocking crosswalks.  Vehicles stopped on and blocking any marked crosswalk at any time shall be subject to a fine not greater than $500, excepting situations of emergency or unless ordered by law enforcement.  The placement of signs or curb markings at the crosswalk shall not be necessary for the purposes of enforcing this section."

     SECTION 2.  Section 291-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§291-2  Reckless driving of vehicle or riding of animals; penalty.  Whoever operates any vehicle or rides any animal recklessly in disregard of the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving of vehicle or reckless riding of an animal, as appropriate, and shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both[.]; provided that the following additional penalties shall also apply:

     (1)  For an offense that occurs within five years of a prior conviction, a ninety-day license suspension; and

     (2)  For an offense that occurs within five years of two prior convictions, a license revocation of not more than two years, and completion of an examination pursuant to section 286-108."

     SECTION 3.  Section 291E-15, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§291E-15  Refusal to submit to breath, blood, or urine test; subject to administrative revocation proceedings.  If a person under arrest refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, none shall be given, except as provided in section 291E-21, or pursuant to a search warrant issued by a judge upon a finding of probable cause supported by oath or affirmation, or pursuant to any other basis permissible under the Constitution of the State of Hawaii and laws of this State.  Upon the law enforcement officer's determination that the person under arrest has refused to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, if applicable, then a law enforcement officer shall:

     (1)  Inform the person under arrest of the sanctions under section 291E-41 or 291E-65; and

     (2)  Ask the person if the person still refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, thereby subjecting the person to the procedures and sanctions under part III or section 291E-65, as applicable;

provided that if the law enforcement officer fails to comply with paragraphs (1) and (2), the person shall not be subject to the refusal sanctions under part III or IV[.]; provided further that, if the person continues to refuse to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test after the law enforcement officer complies with paragraph (2), the person shall surrender the person's license to the law enforcement officer."

     SECTION 4.  Section 291E-65, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

     "(c)  If the district judge finds the statements contained in the affidavit are true, the judge shall suspend the arrested person's license and privilege to operate a vehicle as follows:

     (1)  For a first suspension, or any suspension not preceded within a five-year period by a suspension under this section, for a period of [twelve months; and] three years; and

     (2)  For any subsequent suspension under this section, for a period not less than [two] three years and not more than five years."

     SECTION 5.  Section 291L-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§291L-2[]]  Automated speed enforcement systems program; established.  (a)  There shall be established the automated speed enforcement systems program, which shall be implemented by the State to enforce the speed restriction laws of the State.  The automated speed enforcement [system] systems program shall be limited to only those locations where a photo red light imaging detector system has been implemented pursuant to chapter 291J.

     (b)  Automated speed enforcement systems may be implemented along a road or highway by the State or counties within two hundred feet of a school zone identified by the safe routes to school advisory committee for the promotion of public health, safety, and welfare."

     SECTION 6.  (a)  The state highway safety and modernization council shall:

     (1)  Identify the one hundred most-dangerous intersections in the State based on fatality, injury, and crash data since January 1, 2014;

     (2)  Examine and identify vehicles or classes of vehicles that are more dangerous and likely to cause fatalities and injuries on the State's roadways;

     (3)  Examine vehicle weight, registration, and other related taxes or fees throughout the United States;

     (4)  Examine and identify communities and areas where there is a single ingress or egress, or otherwise limited access, that may create risk to communities during emergencies;

     (5)  Develop proposals for minimal emergency ingress and egress routes that shall be accessible to vehicles as one-way exit routes during emergencies or extreme congestion where emergency services may be jeopardized but may be available for pedestrian, bicycle, or similar access; and

     (6)  Submit:

          (A)  A list of five areas to be addressed from the developed proposals for minimal emergency ingress and egress routes under paragraph (5) to the department of transportation; and

          (B)  Recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature,

          no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     (b)  The state highway safety and modernization council may select up to twenty-five intersections where the department of transportation may install photo red light imaging detector systems in addition to those currently operating, pursuant to chapter 291J; provided that signals shall be changed so pedestrians have not less than a four-second lead time to begin crossing the intersection prior to vehicles being permitted to proceed at each intersection where a photo red light imaging detector system is installed; provided further that citations shall not be issued for any photo red light imaging detector system installed pursuant to this subsection prior to January 1, 2027.

     (c)  The department of transportation and county transit agencies shall assist the state highway safety and modernization council to develop actionable projects to implement for areas of minimal emergency ingress and egress.

     SECTION 7.  (a)  The safe routes to school advisory committee shall identify twenty-five of the most-dangerous school zones in the State based on fatality, injury, and crash data since January 1, 2014, and any outreach and complaints from schools and the surrounding community.

     (b)  The department of transportation or county agencies may install additional automated speed enforcement systems pursuant to chapter 291L, Hawaii Revised Statutes, at school zone locations that the safe routes to school advisory committee identifies as dangerous; provided that any enforcement system shall be positioned not more than two hundred feet from the school property in each school zone; provided further that citations shall not be issued for any automated speed enforcement system installed pursuant to this subsection prior to January 1, 2027.

     SECTION 8.  When planning and managing state highways, in areas where state highways bisect communities with residential areas and commercial areas immediately along a highway, design features and speeds shall be determined by the National Association of City Transportation Officials' standards, which are better suited for lower speed urban and rural communities.

     In areas where state highways do not bisect communities with residential areas and commercial areas immediately along a highway, design features and speeds shall be determined by American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' standards, which are better suited for moving vehicles and people as quickly as possible.

     SECTION 9.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to coordinate with the metropolitan planning organizations for training and education for all levels of government focused on traffic safety, multimodal and pedestrian infrastructure, and other priorities as may be appropriate.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 10.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to effectuate the purposes of this Act; provided that the department of transportation may transfer all or a portion of the appropriation in this section to county agencies to effectuate the purposes of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 11.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to update the judiciary's information management system to pull data from law enforcement citations and transfer the data into court records.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the judiciary for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 12.  If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are severable.

     SECTION 13.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 14.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 15.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DOT; State Highway Safety and Modernization Council; Safe Routes to Schools Advisory Committee; Motor Vehicles; Safety; Penalties; Reckless Driving; Crosswalks; Traffic Regulations; Driving Under the Influence; Report; Appropriations

Description:

Prohibits any vehicles from blocking marked crosswalks.  Requires a person under arrest who refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to surrender their license to a law enforcement officer.  Increases the duration of the suspension of a license when a person is arrested for driving under the influence and refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test.  Authorizes the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council to implement an additional 25 photo red light imaging detector systems.  Authorizes the Department of Transportation to implement an additional 25 automated speed enforcement systems in school zones as designated by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee.  Establishes requirements for the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates moneys.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD2)

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 TRANSPORTATION.

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

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291C-    Vehicles blocking crosswalks.  Vehicles stopped on and blocking any marked crosswalk at any time shall be subject to a fine not greater than $500, excepting situations of emergency or unless ordered by law enforcement."

     SECTION 2.  Section 291-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§291-2  Reckless driving of vehicle or riding of animals; penalty.  Whoever operates any vehicle or rides any animal recklessly in disregard of the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving of vehicle or reckless riding of an animal, as appropriate, and shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both[.]; provided that the following additional penalties shall also apply:

     (1)  For an offense that occurs within five years of a prior conviction, a ninety-day license suspension; and

     (2)  For an offense that occurs within five years of two prior convictions, a license revocation of not more than two years, and completion of an examination pursuant to section 286-108."

     SECTION 3.  Section 291E-15, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§291E-15  Refusal to submit to breath, blood, or urine test; subject to administrative revocation proceedings.  If a person under arrest refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, none shall be given, except as provided in section 291E-21, or pursuant to a search warrant issued by a judge upon a finding of probable cause supported by oath or affirmation, or pursuant to any other basis permissible under the Constitution of the State of Hawaii and laws of this State.  Upon the law enforcement officer's determination that the person under arrest has refused to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, if applicable, then a law enforcement officer shall:

     (1)  Inform the person under arrest of the sanctions under section 291E-41 or 291E-65; and

     (2)  Ask the person if the person still refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, thereby subjecting the person to the procedures and sanctions under part III or section 291E-65, as applicable;

provided that if the law enforcement officer fails to comply with paragraphs (1) and (2), the person shall not be subject to the refusal sanctions under part III or IV[.]; provided further that if the person continues to refuse to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test after the law enforcement officer complies with paragraph (2), the person shall surrender the person's license to the law enforcement officer."

     SECTION 4.  Section 291E-65, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

     "(c)  If the district judge finds the statements contained in the affidavit are true, the judge shall suspend the arrested person's license and privilege to operate a vehicle as follows:

     (1)  For a first suspension, or any suspension not preceded within a five-year period by a suspension under this section, for a period of [twelve months; and] three years; and

     (2)  For any subsequent suspension under this section, for a period not less than [two] three years and not more than five years.

     An appeal of any license suspension may be filed with the administrative drivers license revocation office within thirty days of a judge's suspension."

     SECTION 5.  Section 291L-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§291L-2[]]  Automated speed enforcement systems program; established.  (a)  There shall be established the automated speed enforcement systems program, which shall be implemented by the State to enforce the speed restriction laws of the State.  The automated speed enforcement system program shall be limited to only those locations where a photo red light imaging detector system has been implemented pursuant to chapter 291J.

     (b)  Automated speed enforcement systems may be implemented along a road or highway by the State or counties within two hundred feet of a school zone identified by the safe routes to school advisory committee for the promotion of public health, safety, and welfare."

     SECTION 6.  (a)  The state highway safety and modernization council shall:

     (1)  Identify the top one hundred most dangerous intersections in the State based on fatality, injury, and crash data since January 1, 2014;

     (2)  Examine and identify vehicles or classes of vehicles that are more dangerous and likely to cause fatalities and injuries on the State's roadways;

     (3)  Examine vehicle weight, registration, and other related taxes or fees throughout the United States;

     (4)  Examine and identify communities and areas where there is a single ingress or egress, or otherwise limited access, that may create risk to communities during emergencies;

     (5)  Develop proposals for minimal emergency ingress and egress routes that shall be accessible to vehicles as one-way exit routes during emergencies or extreme congestion where emergency services may be jeopardized but may be available for pedestrian, bicycle, or similar access; and

     (6)  Submit:

          (A)  A list of five areas to be addressed from the developed proposals for minimal emergency ingress and egress routes under paragraph (5) to the department of transportation; and

          (B)  Recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature,

          no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     (b)  The state highway safety and modernization council may select up to twenty-five intersections where the department of transportation may install photo red light imaging detector systems in addition to those currently operating, pursuant to chapter 291J; provided that signals shall be changed so pedestrians have not less than a four-second lead time to begin crossing the intersection prior to vehicles being permitted to proceed at each intersection where a photo red light imaging detector system is installed.

     (c)  The department of transportation and county transit agencies shall assist the state highway safety and modernization council to develop actionable projects to implement for areas of minimal emergency ingress and egress.

     SECTION 7.  (a)  The safe routes to school advisory committee shall identify twenty-five of the most dangerous school zones in the State based on fatality, injury, and crash data since January 1, 2014, and any outreach and complaints from schools and the surrounding community.

     (b)  The department of transportation or county agencies may install additional automated speed enforcement systems pursuant to chapter 291L, at school zone locations that the safe routes to school advisory committee identifies as dangerous; provided that any enforcement system shall be positioned not more than two hundred feet from the school property in each school zone.

     SECTION 8.  When planning and managing state highways, in areas where state highways bisect communities with residential areas and commercial areas immediately along a highway, design features and speeds shall be determined by the National Association of City Transportation Officials' standards, which are better suited for lower speed urban and rural communities.

     In areas where state highways do not bisect communities with residential areas and commercial areas immediately along a highway, design features and speeds shall be determined by American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' standards, which are better suited for moving vehicles and people as quickly as possible.

     SECTION 9.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to coordinate with the metropolitan planning organizations for training and education for all levels of government focused on traffic safety, multimodal and pedestrian infrastructure, and other priorities as may be appropriate.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 10.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to effectuate the purposes of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 11.  If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are severable.

     SECTION 12.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 13.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 14.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

DOT; State Highway Safety and Modernization Council; Safe Routes to Schools Advisory Committee; Motor Vehicles; Safety; Penalties; Reckless Driving; Crosswalks; Traffic Regulations; Driving Under the Influence; Report; Appropriations

Description:

Prohibits any vehicles from blocking marked crosswalks.  Requires a person under arrest who refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to surrender their license to a law enforcement officer.  Increases the duration of the suspension of a license when a person is arrested for driving under the influence and refuses to submit a breath, blood, or urine test.  Allows the appeal of any license suspension to be filed with the administrative driver's license revocation office.  Authorizes the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council to implement an additional twenty-five photo red light imaging detector systems.  Authorizes the Department of Transportation to implement an additional twenty‑five automated speed enforcement systems in school zones as designated by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee.  Establishes requirements for the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

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 transportation.

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

     SECTION 1.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291C-    Vehicles blocking crosswalks.  Vehicles stopped on and blocking any marked crosswalk at any time shall be subject to a fine not greater than $500, excepting situations of emergency or unless ordered by law enforcement."

     SECTION 2.  Section 291-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§291-2  Reckless driving of vehicle or riding of animals; penalty.  Whoever operates any vehicle or rides any animal recklessly in disregard of the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving of vehicle or reckless riding of an animal, as appropriate, and shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both[.]; provided that the following additional penalties shall also apply:

     (1)  For an offense that occurs within five years of a prior conviction, a ninety-day license suspension; and

     (2)  For an offense that occurs within five years of two prior convictions, a license revocation of not more than two years, and completion of an examination pursuant to section 286-108."

     SECTION 3.  Section 291C-105, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

     "(c)  Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a petty misdemeanor and shall be sentenced as follows without the possibility of probation or suspension of sentence:

     (1)  For a first offense not preceded by a prior conviction for an offense under this section in the preceding five years:

          (A)  A fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000;

          (B)  Thirty-day prompt suspension of license and privilege to operate a vehicle during the suspension period, or the court may impose, in lieu of the thirty-day prompt suspension of license, a minimum fifteen-day prompt suspension of license with absolute prohibition from operating a vehicle and, for the remainder of the thirty-day period, a restriction on the license that allows the person to drive for limited work‑related purposes;

          (C)  Attendance in a course of instruction in driver retraining;

          (D)  A surcharge of $25 to be deposited into the neurotrauma special fund;

          (E)  May be charged a surcharge of up to $100 to be deposited into the trauma system special fund if the court so orders;

          (F)  An assessment for driver education pursuant to section 286G-3; and

          (G)  Either one of the following:

              (i)  Thirty-six hours of community service work; or

             (ii)  Not less than forty-eight hours and not more than five days of imprisonment;

     (2)  For an offense that occurs within five years of a prior conviction for an offense under this section, by:

          (A)  A fine of not less than $750 and not more than $1,000;

          (B)  Prompt suspension of license and privilege to operate a vehicle for a period of [thirty] ninety days with an absolute prohibition from operating a vehicle during the suspension period;

          (C)  Attendance in a course of instruction in driver retraining;

          (D)  A surcharge of $25 to be deposited into the neurotrauma special fund;

          (E)  May be charged a surcharge of up to $100 to be deposited into the trauma system special fund if the court so orders;

          (F)  An assessment for driver education pursuant to section 286G-3; and

          (G)  Either one of the following:

              (i)  Not less than one hundred twenty hours of community service work; or

             (ii)  Not less than five days but not more than fourteen days of imprisonment of which at least forty-eight hours shall be served consecutively; and

     (3)  For an offense that occurs within five years of two prior convictions for offenses under this section, by:

          (A)  A fine of $1,000;

          (B)  Revocation of license and privilege to operate a vehicle for a period of not less than ninety days but not more than [one year;] two years;

          (C)  Attendance in a course of instruction in driver retraining[;], and completion of an examination pursuant to section 286-108;

          (D)  [No] Not fewer than ten days but [no] not more than thirty days of imprisonment of which at least forty-eight hours shall be served consecutively;

          (E)  A surcharge of $25 to be deposited into the neurotrauma special fund;

          (F)  May be charged a surcharge of up to $100 to be deposited into the trauma system special fund if the court so orders; and

          (G)  An assessment for driver education pursuant to section 286G-3."

     SECTION 4.  Section 291E-15, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§291E-15  Refusal to submit to breath, blood, or urine test; subject to administrative revocation proceedings.  If a person under arrest refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, none shall be given, except as provided in section 291E-21, or pursuant to a search warrant issued by a judge upon a finding of probable cause supported by oath or affirmation, or pursuant to any other basis permissible under the Constitution of the State of Hawaii and laws of this State.  Upon the law enforcement officer's determination that the person under arrest has refused to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, if applicable, then a law enforcement officer shall:

     (1)  Inform the person under arrest of the sanctions under section 291E-41 or 291E-65; and

     (2)  Ask the person if the person still refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test, thereby subjecting the person to the procedures and sanctions under part III or section 291E-65, as applicable;

provided that if the law enforcement officer fails to comply with paragraphs (1) and (2), the person shall not be subject to the refusal sanctions under part III or IV; provided further that if the person continues to refuse to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test after the law enforcement officer complies with paragraph (2), the person shall surrender the person's license to the law enforcement officer."

     SECTION 5.  Section 291E-65, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:

     "(c)  If the district judge finds the statements contained in the affidavit are true, the judge shall suspend the arrested person's license and privilege to operate a vehicle as follows:

     (1)  For a first suspension, or any suspension not preceded within a five-year period by a suspension under this section, for a period of [twelve months; and] three years; and

     (2)  For any subsequent suspension under this section, for a period not less than [two] three years and not more than five years.

     An appeal of any license suspension may be filed with the administrative drivers license revocation office within thirty days of a judge's suspension."

     SECTION 6.  Section 291L-2, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§291L-2[]]  Automated speed enforcement systems program; established.  (a)  There shall be established the automated speed enforcement systems program, which shall be implemented by the State to enforce the speed restriction laws of the State.  The automated speed enforcement system program shall be limited to only those locations where a photo red light imaging detector system has been implemented pursuant to chapter‑291J.

     (b)  Automated speed enforcement systems may be implemented along a road or highway within two hundred feet of a school zone identified by the safe routes to school advisory committee for the promotion of public health, safety, and welfare."

     SECTION 7.  (a)  The State highway safety and modernization council shall:

     (1)  Identify the top one hundred most dangerous intersections in the State based on fatality, injury, and crash data since January 1, 2014;

     (2)  Examine and identify vehicles or classes of vehicles that are more dangerous and likely to cause fatalities and injuries on the State's roadways;

     (3)  Examine vehicle weight, registration, and other related taxes or fees throughout the United States;

     (4)  Examine and identify communities and areas where there is a single ingress or egress, or otherwise limited access, that may create risk to communities during emergencies;

     (5)  Develop proposals for minimal emergency ingress and egress routes that shall be accessible to vehicles as one-way exit routes during emergencies or extreme congestion where emergency services may be jeopardized but may be available for pedestrian, bicycle, or similar access; and

     (6)  Submit:

          (A)  A list of five areas to be addressed from the developed proposals for minimal emergency ingress and egress routes under paragraph (5) to the department of transportation; and

          (B)  Recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature,

          no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     (b)  The state highway safety and modernization council may select up to twenty-five intersections where the department of transportation may install photo red light imaging detector systems in addition to those currently operating, pursuant to chapter 291J; provided that signals shall be changed so pedestrians have not less than a four-second lead time to begin crossing the intersection prior to vehicles being permitted to proceed at each intersection where a photo red light imaging detector system is installed.

     (c)  The department of transportation and county transit agencies shall assist the state highway safety and modernization council to develop actionable projects to implement for areas of minimal emergency ingress and egress.

     SECTION 8.  (a)  The safe routes to school advisory committee shall identify twenty-five of the most dangerous school zones in the State based on fatality, injury, and crash data since January 1, 2014, and any outreach and complaints from schools and the surrounding community.

     (b)  The department of transportation may install additional speed enforcement systems pursuant to chapter 291L, at school zone locations that the safe routes to school advisory committee identifies as dangerous; provided that any enforcement system shall be positioned not more than two hundred feet from the school property in each school zone.

     SECTION 9.  When planning and managing state highways, in areas where state highways bisect communities with residential areas and commercial areas immediately along a highway, design features and speeds shall be determined by the National Association of City Transportation Officials' standards, which are better suited for lower speed urban and rural communities. 

     In areas where state highways do not bisect communities with residential areas and commercial areas immediately along a highway, design features and speeds shall be determined by American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' standards, which are better suited for moving vehicles and people as quickly as possible.

     SECTION 10.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to coordinate with the metropolitan planning organizations for training and education for all levels of government focused on traffic safety, multimodal and pedestrian infrastructure, and other priorities as may be appropriate.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 11.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of transportation to effectuate the purposes of this Act.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of transportation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 12.  If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are severable.

     SECTION 13.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 14.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 15.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

DOT; State Highway Safety and Modernization Council; Safe Routes to Schools Advisory Committee; Motor Vehicles; Safety; Penalties; Reckless Driving; Excessive Speeding; Crosswalks; Traffic Regulations; Driving Under the Influence; Report; Appropriations

Description:

Prohibits any vehicles from blocking marked crosswalks.  Establishes additional penalties for repeat convictions for reckless driving and excessive speeding.  Requires a person under arrest who refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to surrender their license to a law enforcement officer.  Increases the duration of the suspension of a license when a person is arrested for driving under the influence and refuses to submit a breath, blood, or urine test.  Allows the appeal of any license suspension to be filed with the administrative driver's license revocation office.  Authorizes the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council to implement an additional twenty-five photo red light imaging detector systems.  Authorizes the Department of Transportation to implement an additional twenty‑five speed enforcement systems in school zones as designated by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee.  Establishes requirements for the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Appropriates funds.

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.  2020

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 1667

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 3

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 S.B. No. 1667, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the design features and speeds, when planning and managing state highways in certain areas, to be appropriately determined by standards adopted by the National Association of City Transportation Officials or American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials;

     (2)  Establish responsibilities and requirements for the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council;

     (3)  Authorize the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council to select potential areas for the Department of Transportation to install up to ten additional photo red light imaging detector systems;

     (4)  Prohibit any vehicle from blocking marked crosswalks and establish a fine for violations;

     (5)  Authorize the Department of Transportation to implement additional automated speed enforcement systems in school zones identified as most dangerous by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee;

     (6)  Require the Department of Transportation to collaborate with the district courts before any expansion of the photo red light imaging detector and automated speed enforcement systems programs; and

     (7)  Appropriate funds to the Department of Transportation and Judiciary.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization; Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice; and Hawaiʻi Bicycling League.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Judiciary and Department of the Attorney General.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Removing the provision that authorized the Department of Transportation to transfer appropriated funds to county agencies to effectuate the purposes of this measure; and

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

     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 S.B. No. 1667, S.D. 2, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1667, S.D. 2, H.D. 3.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1454

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 1667

      S.D. 2

      H.D. 2

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. 1667, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Subject vehicles stopped on and blocking any marked crosswalk, with or without signs or curb markings, to a fine no greater than $500;

     (2)  Expand the penalties for reckless driving of a vehicle or riding of animals;

     (3)  Require a person to surrender their license to a law enforcement officer if they continue to refuse to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test;

     (4)  Increase the duration of the suspension of a license when a person is arrested for driving under the influence and refuses to submit to a breath or blood test;

     (5)  Establish requirements for the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council;

     (6)  Authorize the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council to select potential areas for the Department of Transportation to install additional photo red light imaging detector systems;

     (7)  Require the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee to identify ten of the most dangerous school zones and authorize the Department of Transportation or county agencies to install additional automated speed enforcement systems at those locations;

     (8)  Require any expansion of the Photo Red Light Imaging Detector Systems Program or Automatic Speed Enforcement Systems Program to account of its impact on district courts;

     (9)  Require design features and speeds for certain highways to be determined by the National Association of City Transportation Officials' standards or American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' standards; and

     (10) Appropriate funds.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving; Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization; and Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender and one individual.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Judiciary.

     Your Committee finds that improving road safety is essential to protecting pedestrians, drivers, and communities across the State.  However, your Committee notes that the drastic increases in penalties set forth in this measure, as currently drafted, may result in disproportionate consequences for individuals who refuse to submit to certain tests.  While your Committee acknowledges the importance of addressing reckless driving and refusing to submit to certain testing, it also recognizes the need to prevent an overwhelming burden on the judicial system to ensure a more efficient and effective legal process.

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting language that would have:

          (A)  Expanded the penalties for reckless driving of a vehicle or riding of animals;

          (B)  Required a person to surrender their license to a law enforcement office if they continue to refuse to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test; and

          (C)  Increased the duration of the suspension of a license when a person is arrested for driving under the influence and refuses to submit to a breath or blood test;

     (2)  Codifying the following provisions into the appropriate chapters of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, rather than placing them in session law:

          (A)  Language requiring design features and speeds for certain state highways to be determined by the National Association of City Transportation Officials' standards or American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' standards;

          (B)  Language establishing requirements for the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council, including authorizing the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council to select potential areas for the Department of Transportation to install additional photo red light imaging detector systems;

          (C)  Language requiring the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee to identify ten of the most dangerous school zones and authorizing the Department of Transportation or county agencies to install additional automated speed enforcement systems at those locations; and

          (D)  Language requiring any expansion of the Photo Red Light Imaging Detector Systems Program or Automatic Speed Enforcement Systems Program to account for the impact on district courts;

     (3)  Changing the date when the Photo Red Light Imaging Detector Systems Program and Automated Speed Enforcement Systems Program are prohibited from issuing citations for locations selected under this measure from January 1, 2027, to July 1, 2027;

     (4)  Extending the duration of the Photo Red Light Imaging Detector Systems Program or Automated Speed Enforcement Systems Program are required to provide for the courts to collaborate with the Department of Transportation when an expansion of either program identifies an impact on the district courts from six months to twelve months; and

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

     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. 1667, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1667, S.D. 2, H.D. 2.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1235

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 1667

      S.D. 2

      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 S.B. No. 1667, S.D. 2, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Subject vehicles stopped on and blocking any marked crosswalk, with or without signs or curb markings, to a fine no greater than $500;

     (2)  Expand the penalties for reckless driving of a vehicle or riding of animals;

     (3)  Require a person to surrender their driver's license to a law enforcement officer if they continue to refuse to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test;

     (4)  Increase the duration of the suspension of a license when a person is arrested for driving under the influence and refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test;

     (5)  Authorize automated speed enforcement systems by the State or county along a road or highway within two hundred feet of a school zone identified by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee;

     (6)  Establish requirements for the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council;

     (7)  Authorize the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council to select potential areas for the Department of Transportation to install an additional twenty-five photo red light imaging detector systems;

     (8)  Require the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee to identify twenty-five of the most dangerous school zones and authorize the Department of Transportation or county agencies to install additional automated speed enforcement systems at those locations; and

     (9)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement; Department of Transportation; Mothers Against Drunk Driving Hawaii Chapter; Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization; Hawaiʻi Bicycling League; Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice; and one individual.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition of this measure from the Office of the Public Defender.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Judiciary.

     Your Committee finds that dangerous driving behaviors, including reckless speeding, impaired driving, and blocking pedestrian crosswalks, pose significant risks to public safety, leading to preventable injuries and fatalities.  Your Committee further finds that the lack of adequate enforcement mechanisms has contributed to these persistent traffic violations, endangering pedestrians and motorists alike.  This measure strengthens traffic safety by increasing penalties for reckless driving, expanding automated enforcement systems, and enhancing measures to deter impaired driving, thereby creating safer roadways for all residents.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Deleting the authorization to implement automated speed enforcement systems within two hundred feet of a school zone;

     (2)  Specifying that the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council prioritize proposals for emergency egress routes in areas with significant populations of Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households, as well as communities and households experiencing high levels of poverty;

     (3)  Specifying that, of the areas submitted by the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council for emergency ingress and egress routes accessible to vehicles during emergencies or extreme congestion, one of the areas be on the Waianae Coast of Oahu;

     (4)  Clarifying that the implementation by the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council be in compliance with applicable federal and state emergency management regulations;

     (5)  Amending the process by which the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council and Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee selects intersections and most-dangerous school zones, including the number of such intersections and school zones;

     (6)  Requiring the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council and Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee to submit annual reports;

     (7)  Specifying that any expansion of the Photo Red Light Imaging Detector Systems Program or Automated Speed Enforcement Systems Program account for their impact on the district courts statewide and provide up to six months from the time of identification for the courts to collaborate with the Department of Transportation before implementing any expansion of the programs;

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

     (9)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments 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 S.B. No. 1667, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1667, S.D. 2, 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,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 890

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1667

       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 Ways and Means and Judiciary, to which was referred S.B. No. 1667, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to improve traffic safety.

     More specifically, this measure:

     (1)  Prohibits any vehicles from blocking marked crosswalks;

     (2)  Requires a person under arrest who refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to surrender their license to a law enforcement officer;

     (3)  Increases the duration of the suspension of a license when a person is arrested for driving under the influence and refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test;

     (4)  Allows the appeal of any license suspension to be filed with the Administrative Driver's License Revocation Office;

     (5)  Authorizes the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council to implement an additional twenty-five photo red light imaging detector systems;

     (6)  Authorizes the Department of Transportation to implement an additional twenty-five automated speed enforcement systems in school zones designated by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee;

     (7)  Establishes requirements for the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council;

     (8)  Requires a report to the Legislature; and

     (9)  Makes unspecified appropriations to the Department of Transportation.

     Your Committees received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Law Enforcement, Department of Transportation, Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, and one individual.

     Your Committees received written comments in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

     Your Committees received written comments on this measure from the Judiciary.

     Your Committees find that the prohibition on blocking marked crosswalks will improve the visibility and accessibility of pedestrians crossing streets.  Your Committees also find that the automated enforcement systems have proven effective in reducing speeding and red-light violations in other jurisdictions.  However, your Committees further find that the expansion of automated enforcement systems proposed in this measure will result in a dramatic increase in the number of traffic citations issued and likely overwhelm the current resources of the District Courts.   The Judiciary's information management system will require significant upgrades to accommodate such an increase in traffic citations.

     Your Committees note that the Department of Transportation has requested an appropriation of $2,800,000 to effectuate the purposes of this measure.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Clarifying that the prohibition against vehicles stopping in and blocking crosswalks shall be enforceable with or without signs or curb markings;

     (2)  Authorizing the Department of Transportation to transfer appropriated moneys to county agencies to effectuate the purposes of the measure;

     (3)  Making an unspecified appropriation to the Judiciary to update its information management system to pull data from law enforcement citations and transfer the data into court records;

     (4)  Delaying, until January 1, 2027, issuance of citations for photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems installed pursuant to this measure;

     (5)  Deleting language allowing the appeal of any license suspension to be filed with the Administrative Driver's License Revocation Office; and

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

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1667, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1667, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 264

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1667

       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 S.B. No. 1667 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Prohibit any vehicles from blocking marked crosswalks;

     (2)  Establish additional penalties for repeat convictions for reckless driving and excessive speeding;

     (3)  Require a person under arrest who refuses to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test to surrender their license to a law enforcement officer;

     (4)  Increase the duration of suspension of a license when a person is arrested for driving under the influence and refuses to submit a breath, blood, or urine test;

     (5)  Allow the appeal of any license suspension to be filed with the administrative driver's license revocation office;

     (6)  Authorize the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council to implement an additional twenty-five photo red light imaging detector systems;

     (7)  Authorize the Department of Transportation to implement an additional twenty-five speed enforcement systems in school zones as designated by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee;

     (8)  Establish requirements for the State Highway Safety and Modernization Council;

     (9)  Require a report to the Legislature; and

    (10)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Department of the Prosecuting Attorney of the City and County of Honolulu, Oahu Metropolitan Planning Organization, Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, and Hawaiʻi Bicycling League.

     Your Committee finds that traffic safety is critical to improving public safety in local communities throughout the State.  A myriad of dangers including speeding, disregard for traffic signals, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can threaten the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motor vehicle drivers.  By establishing additional authorizations for the State, law enforcement, Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee, and State Highway Safety and Modernization Council, this measure can further the State's prioritization of the health and safety of users on Hawaii's roads and highways.

     Your Committee notes the concerns raised by the Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the current criteria for automated speed enforcement placement.  According to testimony, current statute allows input from the counties to the State regarding automated speed enforcement systems.  Your Committee acknowledges the DOT's recommendations and therefore amendments to this measure are necessary to align with this testimony.

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Authorizing both the State and counties or county agencies to implement or install automated speed enforcement systems within two hundred feet of a school in zones identified by the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee;

     (2)  Deleting language that would have established additional penalties for habitual excessive speeding;

     (3)  Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;

     (4)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

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

Your Committee notes that this measure, as amended, contains unspecified appropriation amounts.  Should your Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that they consider an appropriation amount of $500,000 for the Department of Transportation to coordinate with metropolitan planning organizations for training and education for all levels of government focused on traffic safety, multimodal and pedestrian infrastructure, and other priorities as may be appropriate.

     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 S.B. No. 1667, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1667, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committees on Ways and Means and Judiciary.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts,