Department of Transportation - Other Initiatives

HB1158, SB976: RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY
Prohibits drivers between 15½ and 18 from using cell phones, including hands-free phones, other electronic devices, or engaging in other distractions such as grooming and eating, while operating a motor vehicle.

HB1159, SB977: RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY
Increases the penalties for reckless driving, including higher fines, suspension of licenses, community service, and mandatory attendance at anger management classes, particularly for those that have multiple offenses within 5 years.

HB1160, SB978: RELATING TO MOPEDS
Removes the statutory prohibition on the operation of three-wheel mopeds with side-by-side seats, and restricts use of these devices to public roads with a 35 mph limit or less.

HB1161, SB979:  RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVERS
Prohibits the courts from issuing a conditional hardship license to a commercial vehicle driver of a truck, bus or other large vehicle, if that driver’s license was suspended for drunk driving.

HB1162, SB980: RELATING TO PENALTIES FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE HOLDERS AND EMPLOYERS
Allows the courts to cancel or disqualify a commercial driver’s license and increases monetary fines for those found to be driving a bus, truck or multi-passenger vehicle over 10,000 GVW with a blood alcohol content level of 0.04-0.79. 

HB1163, SB981: RELATING TO HARBORS
Allows the Harbors Department to require users of commercial harbor facilities to indemnify the State from claims arising from the activities of these users.

HB1164, SB982:  RELATING TO ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
Gives the State the option of requiring the user of a State commercial harbor facility to incur the cost of preparing an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) rather than requiring the State to pay this expense.

HB1165, SB983: RELATING TO HARBORS
Authorizes the Director of Transportation to issue rules to regulate traffic and activities within the State’s commercial harbors to ensure the safety and security of individuals and vessels.

HB1166, SB984: RELATING TO THE PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE SPECIAL FUND: 
Allows the $3 per passenger facility charge assessed to Honolulu, Lihue, Kahului, Kona and Hilo airports to be used to pay the interest and principal on bonds used to modernize our airports.  Currently the PFC is used to pay directly for airport capital improvement projects.

HB1167, SB985: RELATING TO HIGHWAYS
Creates a 6-year, $4 billion comprehensive plan to significantly improve our State highway system and increase mobility on all islands paid for by increases in State gasoline taxes, vehicle registration fees, and rental car surcharges that are triggered when the economy improves.

HB1168, SB986: RELATING TO AIRPORTS
Gives the State the option of requiring a users of a State commercial airport, such as suppliers, repair personnel, cargo loading companies, and concessionaires to indemnify the State from claims arising from the activities of this user.

HB1169, SB987: RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY
Requires drivers and passengers on mopeds and motor scooters to wear a safety helmet.

HB1170, SB988: RELATING TO HIGHWAY SAFETY
Permits the counties to install photo cameras at key intersections throughout the State to discourage drivers from running red lights.

HB1171, SB989: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION
Extends the repeal date of Act 2, Special Session of 2007, regarding high capacity inter-island passenger vessels, from 45 days after adjournment of the 2009 legislative session to 45 after adjournment of the 2010 legislative session.