HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.R. NO.
88
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII
HOUSE RESOLUTION
URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO CONSIDER MOVING TO A DEMERIT POINTS-BASED DRIVER'S LICENSING SYSTEM.
WHEREAS, there were one hundred twenty-nine traffic fatalities in Hawaii in 2025, the highest number since 2007; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has stated that more than ninety percent of crashes can be attributed to human behavior; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has a vested interest in reducing traffic injuries and fatalities to ensure the safety of all drivers on Hawaii's roads; and
WHEREAS, the State currently relies on a traffic abstract system to track moving traffic violations and determine eligibility to maintain a driver's license; and
WHEREAS, a demerit point system is a common method used by licensing authorities to track driver behavior, where points are added to a license for traffic violations; and
WHEREAS, demerit point systems are correlated with positive reductions in road traffic injuries, fatalities, and behavioral risk factors; and
WHEREAS, demerit point systems have been implemented in approximately forty states and the District of Columbia; and
WHEREAS, demerit point systems provide oversight on dangerous driver behavior and continuous and clear consequences for noncompliance and incentivize changes in behavior that endanger other motorists; and
WHEREAS, demerit point systems also provide opportunities for drivers to correct dangerous behaviors and incentivize driver education; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Hawaii State Department of Transportation is requested to collaborate with county agencies responsible for driver licensing issuance and implementation to develop and provide clear, timely, and comprehensive guidance, including but not limited to guidance on funding, staffing, information technology system modifications, administrative procedures, staff training, and public communication needs, and to work cooperatively with these agencies to establish a phased and coordinated implementation approach that allows sufficient time for implementing agencies to evaluate and address operational requirements, ensure accurate integration into statewide driver record systems, and promote consistent application across all jurisdictions; and
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the Department of Transportation is urged to consider moving to a demerit points-based driver's licensing system; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Transportation and the Mayors of each county.
Report Title:
Department of Transportation; Demerit Points-based Driver Licensing System