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Committee adopts changes requiring police to send copy of traffic citations to registered vehicle owners
Summary
HB 230 was passed with amendments to require police officers to send a copy of traffic citations to registered vehicle owners and to add a five-business-day postmark/receipt timeframe in committee amendments.
The House Committee on Transportation on Thursday approved HB 230 with amendments to require a police officer issuing a citation to provide a carbon copy of the citation to the registered owner of the vehicle within a set timeframe. Chair Daria Skelle said she would add language specifying a five business day timeframe for postmark or return receipt as a clarity amendment.
Testimony and positions
The Hawaii Police Department submitted testimony in opposition, while Matson Navigation Company and several individuals submitted testimony in support or had comments on the bill. No in-person testimony was recorded during the hearing for this measure. Committee members discussed due-process concerns for registered owners who may not have been driving a vehicle at the time of an infraction.
Committee action
The committee adopted HD 1 with the chair’s addition that citations sent to the registered owner should be postmarked or sent with return receipt within five business days after issuance. The committee adopted the measure by voice vote with the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments; the chair and vice chair voted aye and no recorded opposition was made in the transcript.
Ending
The chair indicated the committee report will note the added five-business-day requirement and that the amendment is intended to protect due process rights for registered owners.
