House passes measure that includes 30-day jail penalty for excessive speeding after floor reservations

Senate Bill 97 (SD2 HD2), which was passed by the Hawaii House on final reading as part of a consent-calendar motion, drew floor commentary from several members who said parts of the bill go too far for misdemeanor excessive speeding.

Representative Imamoto said she supported the bill "with reservations and comment," and characterized a mandatory 30-day jail term for a misdemeanor as "excessive." She suggested an automatic notification to drivers who previously had multiple excessive-speeding tickets so they would know the consequences of a future violation.

Representative Pirick also rose in opposition and described the bill as "pretty strict." Representative Souza, who said she had prosecuted traffic crimes in district court, said she had reservations about broadening asset-forfeiture tools and asked how the bill might broaden other traffic offenses under the traffic enforcement code.

The House ultimately passed the bill on final reading as recorded in the roll-call summary. The majority reported that all majority members voted aye with limited exceptions; the minority reported some no votes among minority members, and the floor summary recorded at least three named minority no votes on SB 97.

Why it matters: SB 97 adds stricter penalties tied to excessive speeding and drew concern that a 30-day mandatory jail term for what some view as a misdemeanor may be disproportionate and could have implementation and notification implications for drivers.

The motion to pass final reading for the consent-calendar bills was moved by Representative Todd and seconded by Representative Morikawa. Recorded minority no votes on SB 97 included Representatives Garcia, Alcos and Mora Oka.