Kailua scooter opponents dismayed
By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer
KAILUA — Despite growing concerns about safety and complaints about noise, the Kailua Neighborhood Board did not have enough votes last night to approve a resolution calling for regulations on the use of motorized scooters.
A motion before the board recommended that state and city lawmakers regulate the use of motorized scooters, including registration, licensing, requirements for safety gear, noise control, limiting users to people 15 years or older, and classifying them as mopeds
The board voted 9-6 to support the proposed regulations. But that was one vote short of the 10 needed for the board, which has 19 members, to pass a motion.
Chairwoman Faith Evans predicted that the board would take up motorized scooters again. "This issue will not go away," she said.
Board members Bob Vieira and Chip Fletcher said they voted no because a sidewalk ban would put scooters on the street, creating greater problems. "Putting people on the street is legislative suicide," Fletcher said.
But board member Pamela Garrison, who voted in favor of the motion, said the board should pass something to let lawmakers know that residents want action.
Since the Kailua board first considered restrictions on motorized scooters a month ago, the issue has generated discussion among officials from Hawai'i Kai to Kalihi.
Used by youths and adults for recreation, transportation and business, the motorized scooters have gained in popularity. But police, neighborhood boards, legislators and council members representing areas from Hawai'i Kai to Mililani also report complaints.
State Rep. Marilyn Lee, D-38th (Waipi'o, Mililani), introduced a bill this year to control the vehicles, but it failed to win passage. Lawmakers instead passed a resolution directing the state Department of Transportation to study the issue and prepare legislation for next year.
City Council Bill 40, which would ban the use of motorized scooters from public streets and sidewalks, passed first reading and is before the Transportation Committee.
