Next year, state legislators had better not forget Kamanuwai Waiwaiole.

Last week, Waiwaiole, a Big Island resident, was killed when he was thrown from the all-terrain vehicle he was riding in Ka'u. It was the eleventh death of an ATV rider in the past four years. More significant was the victim's age: Waiwaiole was just 13.

Consumer safety advocates and health professionals, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, have long warned that ATVs represented a safety crisis that put America's children at risk.

The numbers support the claim. From 1982 through 2004, 6,494 ATV-related deaths were reported nationally. More than 2,000 of those deaths, or 31 percent, involved children under 16.

Despite the dangers, the popularity of ATVs has grown exponentially with the number of ATVs approaching 7 million. As a sign of enlightened self-interest, the ATV industry has been forced to become one of the loudest advocates for safety measures.

"We encourage all states to enact legislation," said Mike Mount, a spokesman of the ATV Safety Institute. Such legislation includes the wearing of helmets and protective gear, restrictions on kids under 16, and rider training for all.

Yet, Mount pointed out that Hawai'i is one of six states that has passed little or no legislation regarding ATV safety.

Since ATVs are for off-road riding only, they've been seen as exempt from licensing and safety requirements here.

But, clearly, the recent fatalities in Hawai'i show that minimal safety standards must be installed, especially for our youth.

ATVs are not toys.

Both state Rep. Josh Green, a medical doctor, and House Judiciary Chairwoman Sylvia Luke said they hope to pass legislation next year.

Let's hold them to it — for Kamanuwai Waiwaiole's sake.

IF YOU'RE INTERESTED

The ATV Safety Institute has a list of recommendations for using ATVs safely that includes taking approved training courses and wearing a helmet and safety gear.

For a complete list of safety tips on using ATVs, visit the institute's Web site at www.atvsafety.org