Kailua board fails to pass scooter ban

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

If Kailua is any barometer, opposition may be looming for a City Council bill that seeks to ban motorized scooters from O'ahu's sidewalks and streets.

The Kailua Neighborhood Board on Thursday failed to muster the 10 votes needed to pass a motion in support of Bill 40 following concern that an outright ban might set a dangerous precedent. Councilman Steve Holmes, who represents Kailua and sits on the Transportation Committee that is expected to consider the bill next month, said he also has reservations.

"I'm a little concerned that the language is so broad it would include the Segway (human) transporter," Holmes said, adding that the Segway and electric scooters are quiet.

The Kailua board voted 8-7 in favor of a ban, two votes short of what was needed for passage.

The board had decided to address the issue after receiving dozens of complaints about kids zipping around on noisy scooters, putting themselves and motorists at risk.

But board members expressed concern that a ban on scooters could lead to bans on skateboards and other toys. They also said parents should be taking more responsibility.

Noise issues are not new to the city, Holmes said, recalling a failed effort to regulate leaf blowers. He added that even if the city tried to regulate noisy scooters, police do not have the decibel readers that would be needed to enforce the law.