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Senate committee keeps pedestrian fine cap at $25, citing equity and public‑safety tradeoffs
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Summary
After testimony from public‑health and justice advocates that high jaywalking fines disproportionately harm walkers and low‑income residents, the committee voted to pass HB 15‑24 (HD2) as written, capping certain pedestrian fines at $25 and sending the bill forward for further consideration.
The Senate’s transportation committee voted to pass HB 15‑24 (house draft 2), which caps fines for pedestrian violations at $25, after receiving testimony from public‑health advocates, criminal‑justice groups and DOT.
Malia Bogsanski of Hawaii Appleseed argued that current pedestrian fines are “overly excessive” and can cascade into debt collection and court involvement for people who rely on walking. She cited examples in which jaywalking fines reached $130 and contrasted those with comparatively lower fines for speeding. Heidi Hansen Smith of the Department of Health confirmed the department’s concerns about public‑health implications and said the department would provide comments and answer questions.
Committee members discussed enforcement, public education, and whether outreach or PSAs could complement statutory changes. DOT representatives said the agency conducts behavioral surveys and uses PSAs and outreach through partners including film‑theater and radio procurement and university partnerships, and that more pedestrian‑safety outreach is planned.
The chair noted a range of views among members, including one who would have preferred a higher figure, but concluded that the committee would pass the bill as drafted and allow the Judiciary Committee to further deliberate on implementation and enforcement issues. The committee recorded the recommendation to pass HB 15‑24, unamended, and the roll call showed the chair and multiple senators voting to adopt the recommendation; one senator registered a no vote.
What happens next: HB 15‑24 is advanced with the committee’s recommendation; further review by Judiciary was signaled for enforcement questions and potential follow‑up on outreach.
