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Committee narrows pedestrian-rights bill, advancing amended measure after debate on safety
Summary
SB 106 was advanced with amendments limiting its application to areas more than 200 feet outside a crosswalk and incorporating language so drivers would be obligated to stop for pedestrians waiting to cross; the bill drew both public‑health support and safety concerns from police and some residents.
The committee voted to advance Senate Bill 106 with amendments that limit the measure's scope and add clarifying language aimed at balancing pedestrian freedom with safety.
SB 106 would allow pedestrians to act contrary to the statewide traffic code when a "reasonably careful pedestrian" would determine there's no immediate danger. The committee adopted amendments limiting the bill's application to locations more than 200 feet outside of an intersection or crosswalk and added language intended to require vehicles to stop for pedestrians signaling a desire to cross from the curb—rather than forcing pedestrians to step into the roadway before drivers have a legal obligation to stop.
The Department of Health, represented by Lola Urban, provided public‑health comments praising the measure’s potential to advance health equity and reduce penalties that disproportionately affect some communities. The Hawaii Public Health Institute's Nate Hicks said similar reforms in other jurisdictions did not increase pedestrian danger and would prevent costly jaywalking fines that affect urban residents.
The Honolulu Police Department and other police witnesses expressed safety concerns, noting pedestrian crashes and fatalities even within crosswalks. Opponents in public testimony, including Jermaine Myers, argued that allowing curbside signaling could increase risky crossings on wider, faster roads and in poor visibility conditions.
Chair Chris Lee said the measure reflects a multi‑year conversation; the committee adopted the amendments discussed and voted to advance SB 106 to Judiciary with the changes. Senator Elefante recorded a dissenting vote at decision making.
