SB 344: Skateboards; Helmet Requirement; Minors

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that skateboard accidents on roadways and streets can result in serious injury to the skateboard user, including head trauma.  According to an article published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, "Injuries to the Head and Face from Skateboarding:  A 10-Year Analysis From National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Hospitals", from 2009 to 2018, there were an estimated 100,201 emergency room visits nationwide related to trauma to the head and face while skateboarding.  The article concluded that "[a] substantial number of [emergency department] visits were a result of skateboarding-related facial trauma.  Given the neurologic outcomes of head trauma and functional consequences of facial fractures, especially among adolescents, our findings suggest that injury prevention programs and more aggressive helmet use may be necessary to reduce morbidity and hospitalization".

     The legislature further finds that existing laws in the State protect bicyclists under the age of sixteen by requiring operators to wear a helmet.  Additionally, the legislature notes that other states require helmets for minors, including California, New York, and Oregon.  Extension of similar safety provisions for bicyclists to skateboard riders will provide additional protection for all roadway users.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the use of a safety helmet by anyone under the age of eighteen while riding a skateboard on public property.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291C-     Skateboards; helmet required.  (a)  No person under eighteen years of age shall operate a skateboard upon a street, roadway, or bikeway, or any other public property, unless the person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened helmet that:

     (1)  Is designed to fit the user;

     (2)  Is designed to protect against head trauma; and

     (3)  Has been tested by a nationally recognized agency, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Safety Council, or Children's Safety Network.

     (b)  This section shall not be construed to legalize the use of skateboards in violation of any county ordinance.

     (c)  For the purposes of this section, "skateboard" means a short board that is on wheels that a person stands on to move along a surface or to perform tricks."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Skateboards; Helmet Requirement; Minors

Description:

Requires all skateboard users under the age of eighteen to wear a helmet while operating a skateboard on public property.  (CD1)

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 HIGHWAY SAFETY.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that skateboard accidents on roadways and streets can result in serious injury to the skateboard user, including head trauma.  According to an article published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, "Injuries to the Head and Face from Skateboarding:  A 10-Year Analysis From National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Hospitals", from 2009 to 2018, there were an estimated 100,201 emergency room visits nationwide related to trauma to the head and face while skateboarding.  The article concluded that "[a] substantial number of [emergency department] visits were a result of skateboarding-related facial trauma.  Given the neurologic outcomes of head trauma and functional consequences of facial fractures, especially among adolescents, our findings suggest that injury prevention programs and more aggressive helmet use may be necessary to reduce morbidity and hospitalization".

     The legislature further finds that existing laws in the State protect bicyclists under the age of sixteen by requiring operators to wear a helmet.  Additionally, the legislature notes that other states require helmets for minors, including California, New York, and Oregon.  Extension of existing safety provisions for bicyclists to skateboard riders will provide additional protection for all roadway users.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the use of a safety helmet by anyone under the age of eighteen while riding a skateboard on public property.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291C-     Skateboards; helmet required.  (a)  No person under eighteen years of age shall operate a skateboard upon a street, roadway, or bikeway, or any other public property, unless the person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened helmet that:

     (1)  Is designed to fit the user;

     (2)  Is designed to protect against head trauma; and

     (3)  Has been tested by a nationally recognized agency, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Safety Council, or Children's Safety Network.

     (b)  This section shall not be construed to legalize the use of skateboards in violation of any county ordinance.

     (c)  As used in this section, "skateboard" means a short board that is on wheels that a person stands on to move along a surface or to perform tricks."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Skateboards; Helmet Requirement; Minors

Description:

Requires all skateboard users under the age of eighteen to wear a helmet while operating a skateboard on public property.  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 HIGHWAY SAFETY.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that skateboard accidents on roadways and streets can result in serious injury to the skateboard user, including head trauma.  According to an article published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, "Injuries to the Head and Face from Skateboarding:  A 10-Year Analysis From National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Hospitals", from 2009 to 2018, there were an estimated 100,201 emergency room visits nationwide related to trauma to the head and face while skateboarding.  The article concluded that "[a] substantial number of [emergency department] visits were a result of skateboarding-related facial trauma.  Given the neurologic outcomes of head trauma and functional consequences of facial fractures, especially among adolescents, our findings suggest that injury prevention programs and more aggressive helmet use may be necessary to reduce morbidity and hospitalization".

     The legislature further finds that existing laws in the State protect bicyclists under the age of sixteen by requiring operators to wear a helmet.  Additionally, the legislature notes that other states require helmets for minors including California, New York, and Oregon.  Extension of existing safety provisions for bicyclists to skateboard riders will provide additional protection for all roadway users. 

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the use of a safety helmet by anyone under the age of eighteen while riding a skateboard on roadways and streets.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291C-     Skateboards; helmet required.  (a)  No person under eighteen years of age shall operate a skateboard upon a street, roadway, bikeway, or any other public property unless the person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened helmet that is designed to fit the user, protect against head trauma, and has been tested by a nationally recognized agency including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, National Safety Council, or Children's Safety Network.

     (b)  This section shall not be construed to legalize the use of skateboards in violation of any county ordinance.

     (c)  For the purposes of this section, "skateboard" means a short board that is on wheels that a person stands on to move along a surface or to perform tricks."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Skateboards; Helmet Requirement; Minors

Description:

Requires all skateboard users under the age of eighteen to wear a helmet while operating a skateboard.  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 HIGHWAY SAFETY.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that skateboard accidents on roadways and streets can result in serious injury to the skateboard user, including head trauma.  According to an article published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, "Injuries to the Head and Face from Skateboarding:  A 10-Year Analysis From National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Hospitals", from 2009 to 2018, there were an estimated 100,201 emergency room visits nationwide related to trauma to the head and face while skateboarding.  The article concluded that "[a] substantial number of [emergency department] visits were a result of skateboarding-related facial trauma.  Given the neurologic outcomes of head trauma and functional consequences of facial fractures, especially among adolescents, our findings suggest that injury prevention programs and more aggressive helmet use may be necessary to reduce morbidity and hospitalization".

     The legislature further finds that existing laws in the State protect bicyclists under the age of sixteen by requiring operators to wear a helmet.  Additionally, the legislature notes that other states require helmets for minors including California, New York, and Oregon.  Extension of existing safety provisions for bicyclists to skateboard riders will provide additional protection for all roadway users. 

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

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291C-    Skateboards; helmet required.  (a)  No person under sixteen years of age shall operate a skateboard upon a street, roadway, bikeway, or any other public property unless the person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened helmet that is designed to fit the user, protect against head trauma, and has been tested by a nationally recognized agency including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Safety Council, or the Children's Safety Network.

     (b)  This section shall not be construed to legalize the use of skateboards in violation of any county ordinance.

     (c)  For the purposes of this section:

     "Skateboard" means a short board that is on wheels that a person stands on to move along a surface or to perform tricks."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Skateboards; Helmet Requirement; Minors

Description:

Requires all skateboard users under the age of sixteen to wear a helmet while operating a skateboard.  (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 highway safety.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that skateboard accidents on roadways and streets can result in serious injury to the skateboard user, including head trauma.  According to an article published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, "Injuries to the Head and Face from Skateboarding:  A 10-Year Analysis From National Electronic Injury Surveillance System Hospitals", from 2009 to 2018, there were an estimated 100,201 emergency room visits nationwide related to trauma to the head and face while skateboarding.  The article concluded that "[a] substantial number of [emergency department] visits were a result of skateboarding-related facial trauma.  Given the neurologic outcomes of head trauma and functional consequences of facial fractures, especially among adolescents, our findings suggest that injury prevention programs and more aggressive helmet use may be necessary to reduce morbidity and hospitalization".

     The legislature further finds that existing laws in the State protect bicyclists under the age of sixteen by requiring operators to wear a helmet.  Additionally, the legislature notes that other states require helmets for minors including California, New York, and Oregon.  Extension of existing safety provisions for bicyclists to skateboard riders will provide additional protection for all roadway users. 

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

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part XII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§291C-    Skateboards; helmet required.  (a)  No person under sixteen years of age shall operate a skateboard upon a street, roadway, bikeway, or any other public property unless the person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened helmet that is designed to fit the user, protect against head trauma, and has been tested by a nationally recognized agency such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Safety Council, or the Children's Safety Network.

     (b)  This section shall not be construed to legalize the use of skateboards in violation of any county ordinance.

     (c)  For the purposes of this section:

     "Skateboard" means a short board that is on wheels that a person stands on to move along a surface or to perform tricks.

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

Skateboards; Helmet Requirement; Minors

Description:

Requires all skateboard users under the age of sixteen to wear a helmet while operating a skateboard.

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

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 100

Honolulu, Hawaii

                 , 2025

RE:    S.B. No. 344

       S.D. 1

       H.D. 2

       C.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir and Madam:

     Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the Senate to the amendments proposed by the House of Representatives in S.B. No. 344, S.D. 1, H.D. 2, entitled:

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

having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.

     The purpose of this measure is to require all skateboard users under the age of eighteen to wear a helmet while operating a skateboard on public property.

     Your Committee on Conference finds that skateboard accidents can result in serious injury to the skateboard rider, of which head injuries are especially dangerous.  Your Committee on Conference further finds that helmet usage prevents injuries and reduces hospitalization and morbidity.  Therefore, this measure enhances public safety by implementing helmet requirements to protect skateboard riders.

     Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Making it effective upon its approval; and

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

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 344, S.D. 1, H.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 344, S.D. 1, H.D. 2, C.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1770

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 344

      S.D. 1

      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. 344, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require the use of a helmet by anyone under the age of eighteen while riding a skateboard.

     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; and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that skateboard accidents on roadways and streets can result in serious injury to the skateboard user, including head trauma.  Your Committee further finds that from 2009 to 2018, there were an estimated 100,201 emergency room visits nationwide related to trauma to the head and face while skateboarding.  Your Committee also finds that according to the National Library of Medicine, wearing a helmet while skateboarding reduces the risk of head injuries by up to eighty-eight percent.  This measure increases safety for the State's children and youth by requiring anyone under eighteen years old to wear a helmet.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by 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. 344, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 344, S.D. 1, H.D. 2.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1317

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 344

      S.D. 1

      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. 344, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require the use of a helmet by anyone under the age of sixteen while riding a skateboard.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation; AAA Hawai‘i; Keiki Injury Prevention Caucus; and two individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that skateboarding, while a popular recreational activity, poses significant safety risks to the head and face.  Given the serious consequences of head trauma, particularly for young people, your Committee finds that the implementation of helmet requirements for skateboarders under the age of sixteen will help mitigate the risk of serious injury.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Increasing the minimum age of persons prohibited from operating a skateboard without a helmet from sixteen years of age to eighteen years of age;

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

     (3)  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. 344, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 344, S.D. 1, 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. 1026

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 344

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

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

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

begs leave to report as follows:

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

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

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

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

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

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 344, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 128

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 344

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.B. No. 344 entitled:

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

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require all skateboard users under the age of sixteen to wear a helmet while operating a skateboard.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Transportation, Honolulu Police Department, and Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition.

     Your Committee finds that nationwide, many states and cities are focusing on developing infrastructure to support an increasing use of micromobility vehicles, including bicycles, scooters, and skateboards, for transportation.  As more people opt for these methods of transportation, more accidents on roadways and streets occur that regularly result in serious injuries requiring hospital visits.  Your Committee further finds that existing statute requires bicyclists under the age of sixteen to wear helmets for the purpose of protecting minors from serious injuries and head trauma.  Therefore, requiring skateboarders under the age of sixteen to wear a safety helmet will align with the State's commitment to public safety.

Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation and Culture and the Arts that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 344, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 344, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary.

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