Moped and noisy-exhaust measures prompt opposition from local shop owners; AG flags federal preemption for combustion ban

Several bills addressing mopeds, sirens and noisy exhaust systems were heard Feb. 4 and drew sharp pushback from local moped retailers and inspectors.

SB 1118 would prohibit businesses established after 2026 that rent mopeds from using combustion-engine mopeds. Attorney General testimony raised concerns that the provision could be preempted by the Federal Clean Air Act, asking the committee to hold the bill for further analysis.

Manabo Sato of Moped Doctors, a local moped retailer and chief safety inspector, told the committee that many small businesses depend on gas-powered mopeds for rentals and sales, and that electric alternatives have not yet been a full replacement. Sato and other opponents said the measures would reduce competition, cost jobs and place enforcement burdens and liability on safety inspectors, particularly where illegal aftermarket modifications occur after inspections.

SB 1094, which would require dual-frequency sirens on newly permitted vehicles with sirens, drew opposition from the Honolulu Police Department (Warren Izumigawa), which argued current electronic multi-tone siren systems meet national public-safety standards and that dual-frequency air horns could cause confusion and be easily copied by the public.

SB 1216, which would condition certificates of inspection on muffler/noise compliance, likewise prompted objections from industry and inspection businesses concerned about additional costs, time and potential liability if vehicles are modified after inspection.

The committee deferred the moped and muffler-related measures to Feb. 6 to allow legal, technical and stakeholder concerns to be addressed.