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TESTIMONY

COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY AND HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS

COMMITTEE ON CONSUMER PROTECTION AND COMMERCE

Friday, February 8, 2002 2:00 PM
Conference Room 325 State Capitol

Dear Committee Members:

We Oppose HB 2323

Additional fines are not the answer to improving the safety of the great people of Hawaii.

HB 2323 appears to be a blatant attempt at revenue raising by the counties and the state. By the counties because they will receive the proceeds of the citations and by the state because it will further motivate county police to issue tickets on state roads. This in turn brings up conflict of interest issues.

HB 2323 also raises issues of proper jurisdiction. Just who has jurisdiction of a particular road?

Additionally, HB 2323 will cause confusion of motorists because now the fine for an identical offense will vary depending upon the location of the offence. For example the fine associated with doing 35 in a 25 zone will vary depending on the county of the offence. This in turn brings up the question of uniformity of the traffic laws.

Generally speaking laws should be written in such a way that they are easily understood and this includes the consequences of breaking the law.

Further we recommend that speed limits should be set based on statistical studies of the roads and traffic thereupon as mandated by the federal government.

Properly setting the speed limits will do the most good to increase the safety of the great people of Hawaii and as we all know the safest speed is that of the prevailing speed of traffic, even if, that speed is higher that the current limit.

Such a policy would do wonders to reduce the stress of an already overstressed society and once again everyone would benefit due to the increased safety, and shorter drive times.

Thank you.

John Orendt