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SB2445
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
2445
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING
TO PEDESTRIANS
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION 1.
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The
legislature finds that the State's current statutes relating to pedestrian
infractions impose fines that are often excessive and inequitable, particularly
when compared to the relative risk and harm posed by different types of traffic
violations.
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For example, fines for
pedestrian infractions, such as crossing outside of a marked crosswalk or
entering a crosswalk during a flashing "Don�t Walk" signal, can
exceed or approach the penalties for certain moving vehicle violations,
including lower-level speeding infractions, which carry far greater risk to
public safety.
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The legislature further finds that these fines
fall most heavily on individuals who are already economically vulnerable.
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Research shows that monetary sanctions for
low-level offenses, including pedestrian violations, disproportionately burden
low‑income residents, many of whom rely on walking and public
transportation as their primary means of mobility.
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Studies have shown that excessive fines and
fees often perpetuate cycles of debt, push residents into financial
instability, and criminalize poverty without improving safety outcomes.
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In Hawai
ʻ
i, where the cost of
living is among the highest in the nation, such fines can have particularly
harsh impacts on those least able to pay.
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The legislature also recognizes that
over-penalizing pedestrians runs counter to the State's broader transportation
and climate goals, which prioritize walking, biking, and transit as safe,
affordable, and sustainable modes of travel.
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Penalizing walking with disproportionately
high fines discourages these healthy and environmentally beneficial behaviors.
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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to
promote fairness in the State's traffic laws by ensuring that fines for
pedestrian infractions are reasonable, proportionate, and not unduly punitive.
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SECTION 2.
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Chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new
section to part VII to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
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"
�291C-
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Limitations on Pedestrian Fines.
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(a)
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Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the
total monetary fine imposed upon a pedestrian for any violation under this
chapter shall not exceed $25 per violation.
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(b)
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The judiciary, the department of transportation, and the counties shall
revise applicable schedules of fines, rules, and procedures to ensure
compliance with this section.
"
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SECTION
3
.
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Section 291C-73, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by amending subsection (e) to read as follows:
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"(e)
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Every [
person
]
pedestrian
who violates this section shall
be fined [
$100.
]
not more than $25.
"
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SECTION 4.
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Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.
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New statutory material is underscored.
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SECTION 5.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
Pedestrian;
Violations; Fines; Limitation
Description:
Establishes that fines for pedestrian violations under
chapter 291C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, shall not exceed $25.
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Requires state and county agencies to revise
applicable schedules of fines, rules, and procedures to comply with the
monetary limit.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.