The 2025 Hawai‘i Legislative session ended with some key wins for people who walk, bike, and roll on Hawai‘i roadways. However, one of Hawai‘i Bicycling League’s (HBL) biggest priorities was to update statewide traffic code with essential definitions for e-bikes, bicycle safety, and micromobility devices. There were many bills that were introduced on these topics, but HB 958, an omnibus E-bike bill, garnered the most support. It was vetoed with little public discourse on the eve of the July 4th holiday weekend as we passed 70 traffic fatalities statewide.
HB 958 was a priority bill for the Honolulu Police Department, according to Traffic Division Major Slayter. Notably, the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT), under Director Ed Sniffen, highlighted in public testimony that rising traffic fatalities “demonstrate(d) the need for improved policy to address some of our more vulnerable road users, as well as lay the foundation for safe electric mobility use.” HBL provided testimony to improve this bill as it moved through the legislature, because we know firsthand how essential it is to have clear definitions in traffic code as a cornerstone for safer streets for all.
On May 1st the bill was transmitted to the Governor and on June 6 he gave public notice of intent to veto. HBL reached out to the Governor’s office on multiple occasions including in a formal letter to request a meeting with transportation, safety, and health advocacy allies to discuss the veto rationale. These requests were declined. There were multiple media reports and dozens of requests countering the Governor’s position, including a national effort from PeopleForBikes. The silence and July 3rd veto has stung and left advocates disappointed and confused.
“It seems as if the Governor has prioritized a hypothetical legal technicality over common sense safety strategies, even while traffic deaths are soaring,” said Eduardo Hernandez, HBL Advocacy Director. “However, without further explanation, it is difficult to know. After two years, the public still doesn’t know why the Governor has not named any appointees to the Highway Safety & Modernization Council, a traffic safety measure passed by the legislature and one he enacted into law in 2023.”
As the administration rolls out their “Energy Security and Waste Reduction” draft plan which is part of a court ordered Navahine settlement agreement, HBL pledges to continue working collaboratively with allies, stakeholders, policymakers, and the public toward a common goal of increasing safety on shared roadways and reducing vehicle miles traveled. This also means reintroducing HB 958 at next year’s legislative session.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please email Advocacy Director Eduardo Hernandez