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HCR 136

House concurrent resolution congratulating Mapenzi Selemani of Winooski on winning the 2025 Poetry Out Loud Vermont State championship and commemorating the 20th anniversary of Poetry Out Loud

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daisy Berbeco and 1 co-sponsor

Urges Honolulu to encourage pedestrians to wear reflective gear from dusk to dawn and to collaborate on safety signage, outreach, and high-risk area planning.

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Bill Summary · HCR 136

Summary — HCR 136 (2025): Encouraging Pedestrians to Wear Reflective Gear (Concurrent Resolution)

Bill number: HCR 136 (HD1)
Title: Urging the City and County of Honolulu to encourage pedestrians to wear reflective gear between the hours of dusk and dawn
Classification: Concurrent resolution (non‑binding)
Primary sponsors: Reps. Takayama, Kila, Reyes Oda, Iwamoto, Matsumoto
Introduced / Filed: April 16, 2025
Final status: Signed by the Governor — June 20, 2025

Purpose and intent

The resolution responds to an observed rise in pedestrian-involved motor vehicle collisions on Oʻahu and seeks to improve pedestrian visibility (and thus safety) during low‑light periods by urging local government actions that promote the use of reflective gear between dusk and dawn.

Key findings cited

  • Honolulu Emergency Medical Services responded to over 130 pedestrian cases in 2024 — a 13% increase from 2023.
  • A Governors Highway Safety Association report: ~270 fatal pedestrian crashes occurred at dawn or dusk in 2022.
  • The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends reflective material visible from front and back as the most effective way to increase conspicuity.
  • Military bases on Oʻahu already require reflective gear during hours of darkness; an Ohio township penalizes walking/running without reflective clothing as a minor misdemeanor.

Main provisions (what the resolution urges)

  • Urges the City and County of Honolulu to encourage pedestrians to wear reflective gear between dusk and dawn (HD1 language).
  • Urges the City/County and Department of Transportation (City DTS) to:
    • Collaborate to identify and designate high‑risk areas for pedestrian safety;
    • Erect signage warning drivers of pedestrian presence and encouraging pedestrians to wear reflective gear during low‑light hours;
    • Create and implement a public education campaign about pedestrian safety and any ordinances adopted as a result of the measure.
  • Directs transmission of certified copies of the resolution to the Director of Transportation (state), the Mayor, Chair of the Honolulu City Council, and the Director of the City & County Department of Transportation Services.

Who would be affected

  • Pedestrians on Oʻahu (especially those walking or running during dusk–dawn).
  • Drivers (through signage and awareness efforts).
  • City & County of Honolulu and its Department of Transportation Services (urged to take planning, signage, and education actions).
  • Honolulu City Council (may consider ordinances in response).

Legal effect and implementation notes

  • As a concurrent resolution, HCR 136 (HD1) is non‑binding and does not itself create legal requirements or penalties. It urges local authorities to take action and may prompt ordinances, signage, and education programs.
  • The HD1 amendment softened original language (from requiring regulations to urging/encouraging) and focuses on encouraging reflective gear and public education rather than mandating attire or specifying penalties.

Legislative timeline highlights

  • Referred to committee and amended (TRN) — March 2025 (adopted as HD1).
  • Passed by both chambers — May 2025.
  • Sent to Governor — May 30, 2025.
  • Signed by the Governor — June 20, 2025.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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