On May 22, HBL executive director Travis Counsell was a featured panelist for a discussion about e-bike safety on Insights on PBS Hawai‘i. Other panelists included Representative Darius Kila, Transportation Chair, Hawai‘i House of Representatives, Councilmember Matt Weyer, Honolulu City Council, and Major James Slayter, Honolulu Police Department.
In addition to discussing the details for a new bill adopted during the recent legislative session HB 958, HD, 2, SD 2, CD 1, panelists also discussed the genesis for the bill which had its origins last year in the Honolulu City Council as Bill 52 and which Mayor Blangiardi signed into law in February.
At the close of the program, there was also mention for Open Streets. This stems from two resolutions also adopted by the Legislature, HCR 177 and SCR 182, which recommended the City & County of Honolulu to host and pilot an Open Streets program. With their adoption, the public policy conversation about closing streets to cars and opening them for exclusive use for walking, biking, and rolling for a few hours each year is off to a good start. HBL will continue to advocate for Open Streets at the state level and for the counties.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please email Advocacy Director Eduardo Hernandez.