Hawaii aims to loosen state vehicle safety inspection program

Hawaii state Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, D-Dist. 14, introduced legislation that would dilute the Hawaii State Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program by exempting vehicles from testing for their first two to three years. Hawaii Senate Bill 1416 passed the Transportation Committee and has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) opposes these changes to the Hawaii Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Program. The bill’s effect would create less-safe highways in Hawaii due to the potential for more accidents leading to more injuries and possibly more deaths. State government studies of vehicle safety inspection programs in Missouri and Pennsylvania have indicated that inspection programs deter accidents, injuries and deaths. The bill, if passed, would take effect Jan. 1, 2013.

ASA asks Hawaii repairers to contact their legislators and express their opposition to S.B. 1416. Repairers can go to ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com and send an opposition letter.

To view full text of the bill, visit ASA’s www.TakikngTheHill.com.