COM 0684.003 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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JUSTIFICATION SHEET PROPOSER: Hawaii State Association of Counties TITLE: RELATING TO TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS PURPOSE: To require the State to transfer a portion of the fines and forfeitures collected for uncontested traffic infractions to the county in which the violations occurred MEANS: Create a new chapter, 291 F, "Transmittal of Uncontested Traffic Fines and Forfeitures to Counties," and amend section 291C- 17l(a), Hawaii Revised Statutes JUSTIFICATION: While the counties are responsible for enforcement, revenues accruing from violations of the Statewide Traffic Code are paid solely to the State. Traffic citations are issued by police officers whose costs, including salaries, equipment, and administrative support, are funded by the counties. Allowing each county to receive the fines and forfeitures generated as a result of county enforcement of traffic laws is fair and will provide the counties a much-needed modicum of financial relief from the State. The measure specifically excludes those fines and forfeitures accruing from State-enforced violations, which do not involve the expenditure of County resources. When traffic violations remain uncontested, there is no need to resort to the State courts. The burden on State-funded personnel and resources is, therefore, minimized. The bill seeks solely to have those fines and forfeitures paid by offenders without contest transferred to the county in which the infraction occurred. Authorizing the counties to collect such fines and forfeitures would provide the counties with a dedicated revenue source and diversify the counties' revenue bases. As a result, the measure would help to stabilize the counties' budgets and promote the viability of the counties' public services, including the provision oftraffic-safety improvements.