Cayetano may veto car-seat measure

By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Gov. Ben Cayetano is considering vetoing a bill that would require car booster seats for children 8 and younger.

Cayetano yesterday said he's concerned about the booster seat measure and that he has gotten feedback from members of the community and some legislators who say it may be too costly for large families.

The bill would require booster seats for children 8 years old and younger, or those who weigh less than 80 pounds. State law requires car safety seats for children younger than 4 years old.

"I've had a number of phone calls, and some e-mail and letters by people who have three, four, five children and are concerned about the cost," Cayetano said. "One legislator was contacted by a foster parent who has seven or eight who would qualify for the booster seat law, should it become law, and expressed concern and urged to veto the bill."

The Senate, the governor pointed out, passed the bill by a narrow 13-12 vote. Legislators who were opposed said it would create a hardship on parents who have several young children and that the issue is the responsibility of parents and not of the government.

One of the bill's strongest advocates, Senate Transportation, Military Affairs and Government Operations Committee Chairman Cal Kawamoto, said he probably will call Cayetano to discuss the issue.

Kawamoto, D-19th (Wai-pahu, Pearl City), said, "In my book, if I can save one child, that's worth the bill itself. You cannot be overcautious."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.