Representative Linda Ichiyama (D-31 Moanalua Valley, Moanalua, Salt Lake) has introduced a measure that would regulate the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The matter will be heard Monday, February 13, at 9 a.m. at the Hawaii State Capitol in room 309.
There are currently no laws in Hawaii that regulate these vehicles although it’s widely acknowledged they have some inherent danger for both adults and children.
Senator Josh Green, D-Kona, who also is the emergency room doctor at Kohala Hospital many weekends, is a strong supporter of requiring helmets for children using ATVs.
Dr. Green was the on-call doctor at the Kohala Hospital Emergency Room in December, 2010, when a 16-year-old Kailua-Kona girl was brought in after having a serious accident on an ATV in Kapa’au. Dr. Green says she was Dead on Arrival at the Emergency Room, and that it really shook him. He says he sees this kind of death every couple of years, but for some reason, this one really got to him. He says the beautiful young woman had been on the ATV, without a helmet, with her 11-year-old sister and 4-year-old cousin. The 11-year-old had minor injuries. The 4-year-old had serious injuries and had to be airlifted to Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu.
There were 16 reported deaths caused by the use of ATVs from 1982-2010. Dr. Green says while adults should wear helmets, they should be old enough to make the smart decision to do so. Green says it’s critical to protect the children and prevent further deaths.
“This is a huge safety issue,” said Rep. Ichiyama. “All-terrain vehicles have become more popular over the years, but people aren’t operating these large open-engine vehicles safely. We need laws that will protect users by lowering the risk of future accidents.”
House Bill 2277 would make it illegal for minors to use ATVs, prohibit the vehicles from being used on public roads, disallow passenger-riding, require the use of a safety helmet, and allow riding only during daylight hours.
For more information on how to submit testimony in favor of, opposed to, or suggesting changes, please visit the Hawaii State Legislature website at capitol.hawaii.gov. HB2277: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=2277
