As we continue celebrating National Bike Month, as proclaimed by Mayor Rick Blangiardi at Honolulu Hale on May 5th, we want communities statewide to know about recent Hawai‘i legislative wins 
that should lead to healthier and safer outcomes for people who rely on shared roads and multi-use trails. A highlight of adopted bills and a House Resolution that we supported are included below. At this writing, the bills are awaiting action from Governor Josh Green.
HB2021, HD2, SD2, CD1 – A foundational and necessary update to state traffic code as regards e-bikes and micromobility devices. This bill can be summarized in two words – safety and affordability. Safety, because the bill updates definitions for low-speed electric bicycles, adopting a standard for regulation used in 40 states with three specific classes, while also defining and outlawing the high-speed and high-powered e-motos that are the primary cause of death and serious injuries. Affordability, because through clear definitions of permissible devices and safer-use protocols, the bill works in companion with e-bike rebate options previously established in statute, to help individuals and families choose lower-cost transportation solutions.
This model legislation has been an HBL priority for several years and is already getting national recognition. It puts Hawai‘i in a leadership role for how to set a statewide standard that balances need for affordable transportation and consumer demand, while prioritizing safety for shared roadways and multi use paths.
HB2023, HD2, SD1, CD1 – Known as the “Stop Super Speeders” bill, it marks a significant step forward in preventing traffic deaths and protecting communities across Hawai’i from the most dangerous drivers. The legislation allows courts to require anti-speeding technology called Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) for drivers convicted ofexcessive speeding and drag racing. These devices use location-based technology to prevent extreme speeding by limiting how fast a vehicle can travel based on posted speed limits.
Hawai‘i is the sixth jurisdiction to pass Stop Super Speeders legislation, following the District of Columbia, Virginia, Washington State, Georgia, and Maryland. Fourteen additional states have bills progressing through their state legislatures this year.
SB3029, SD1, HD2, CD1 – A Summer Streets Pilot Program whereby the Hawaiʻi 
Community Development Authority (HCDA), in consultation with the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) will work in each of four counties statewide to temporarily repurpose roads for pedestrian and cyclist use, outdoor events, temporary installations, and other community-driven activities. These events occur in communities worldwide and hav proven to be wildly popular for reimagining what public spaces can offer, as well as delivering positive health and economic impacts for residents.
SB3234 SD2 HD1 CD1 – Established in honor of Tehya Mahelona, a Nanakuli resident, devoted sister, and aspiring pilot who was fatally struck in a chain-reaction crash caused by a speeding driver last year. This bill appropriates $2M to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation (HDOT) to install pedestrian safety improvements at sites abutting school properties.
While this measure will create safer infrastructure, the funds were re-programmed in contravention of the legislative mandate of Act 244, which established a process to prioritize the safety of keiki by fixing and simplifying the safe routes to school (SRTS) program in 2023. That year, the legislature found and Governor Green agreed, to fund and establish an expert SRTS committee to holistically address the best ways to improve safety around schools. HBL has been a strong supporter for Act 244 and the important work of these volunteers working on the frontlines in neighborhoods statewide.
“Hawai‘i Bicycling League is proud to have worked alongside a diverse coalition of stakeholders including Honolulu and Hawai‘i Police Departments, Honolulu’s Department of Transportation Services, AAA Hawai‘i, Ulupono Initiative, Keiki Injury Protection Coalition, HDOT, and DOH, as well as our individual members and supporters to get these measures through the legislature and onto the Governor’s desk,” said HBL executive director Travis Counsell.
“We know firsthand that families directly impacted by traffic violence may never recover from their loss, but we also know that everyone deserves safer roads. That’s why we have been committed to working with partners at the neighborhood, county, state and federal levels to elevate conversations about safer streets, vision zero and equity for shared spaces. Everyone has a role to play for safety and everyone deserves to experience the health, economic, and joyful benefits of riding a bike,” he concluded.
In the coming months and years, HBL will also continue to work with community stakeholders as outlined in HR96. This House Resolution adopted in April is based on a new State of the Trails Report published by the North Shore Community Land Trust. This report will function as a guiding document to improve connectivity for people walking and biking on O‘ahu’s North Shore.
Please let Governor Green know we want him to sign these bills into law. HBL has requested a signing ceremony, and are awaiting confirmation from the Office of the Governor.
We look forward to the Governor signing these important bills into law later this year. The work then begins to provide education and awareness of these updated laws. Hawai‘i Bicycling League, along with our partners, look forward to working with various partners at the local and state governments, as well as community groups to ensure these laws are enacted, enforced, and understood. Together, we can create safer streets for all.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please email Advocacy Director Eduardo Hernandez