Posted on: Wednesday, May 4, 2005

Safety concerns cited in veto of bill on teen commercial drivers

By Lynda Arakawa
Advertiser Staff Writer

Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed a bill yesterday that would have lowered the minimum age for commercial driver licenses to 18 from 21.

Lingle said in her veto message that studies show younger drivers have more accidents than more experienced motorists.

Transportation companies — which have struggled to find qualified drivers — supported the bill, saying it would increase their pool of applicants. They said new drivers are put through extensive training and start with smaller vehicles.

"I think the governor and her policy people don't give the industry enough credit," said Gareth Sakakida, managing director of the Hawaii Transportation Association. "We're not going to throw just anybody on any vehicles, regardless of age. Motor carriers have to be very careful who they select for potential drivers. And I think we've lost for the time being a great opportunity."

Senate Bill 74 would have prohibited those younger than 21 from driving schoolchildren or hazardous materials, or from driving tractor-trailers.

The state Department of Transportation opposed the idea, citing safety concerns.

"While the industry is understandably concerned with the shortage of commercial drivers, there is no demonstrated evidence this bill would alleviate these concerns," Lingle wrote. "On balance, the safety and welfare of the people of Hawai'i must be our first and foremost priority."

It's too early to tell whether the Legislature will reconvene this summer to override any of the governor's vetoes, and it's unlikely that this bill alone will prompt an override. A veto override requires the support of two-thirds of both houses.

Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 535-2470.