Bill > HB2186

This bill aims to enhance pedestrian safety by clarifying drivers' responsibilities at crosswalks, requiring them to stop and remain stopped for pedestrians who are entering or within a lane of travel, and not to proceed until the pedestrian has safely cleared the lane. It also introduces new criminal penalties for drivers who negligently cause bodily injury or serious bodily injury to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, with "serious bodily injury" meaning a substantial risk of death or permanent disfigurement or loss of function. Furthermore, the bill specifically addresses the heightened risks faced by blind or visually impaired pedestrians, who are defined as those using a white cane (sometimes tipped with red) or a guide dog, by establishing a misdemeanor offense with fines and potential jail time for failing to stop for them. Penalties for violating crosswalk laws are increased, and these penalties are doubled for violations occurring within a "school zone," which refers to areas around schools as defined in existing law. The bill also clarifies that the duty to stop applies to both marked and unmarked crosswalks and includes provisions for the severability of its parts and an effective date of July 1, 3000.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2186&year=2026