Relating To Highway Safety.
If enacted, SB2519 will amend Chapter 291C of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, adding a component that clearly stipulates the helmet requirement for skateboard operators under the age threshold. The implementation of this law aims to enhance the safety of young skateboarders, thus potentially reducing the occurrence and severity of head injuries associated with skateboard accidents. Nonetheless, it will also clarify that this measure does not legalize skateboarding in areas where it is otherwise prohibited by local ordinance, preserving local control over roadway safety measures.
Senate Bill 2519, titled 'Relating to Highway Safety,' proposes a new requirement for individuals under the age of seventeen to wear a safety helmet while riding a skateboard on streets, bikeways, or other public property. The legislation acknowledges existing county ordinances, particularly highlighting that the City and County of Honolulu prohibits skateboarding on roadways. Despite these prohibitions, the bill identifies a significant issue: young individuals continue to ride skateboards in violation of these laws, often resulting in serious injuries, particularly to their heads.
Throughout discussions, notable points raised include the balance between state mandates and local ordinances. Some legislators may support the helmet requirement as a necessary public safety measure, while opponents might argue that it imposes additional restrictions on youth and does not adequately consider the effectiveness of existing local laws. The bill seeks to navigate the intricacies of state versus local governance concerning public safety and the desire for consistency in laws related to youth activities across different jurisdictions.