
7/10/25 New Safety Rules for Skateboards and Mopeds
Season 2025 Episode 21 | 56m 56sVideo has Closed Captions
New Safety Rules for Skateboards and Mopeds
All moped drivers in Hawai‘i are required to wear helmets and no one under 16 can drive one per a new state law. Another new law requires skateboard riders under 18 to wear a helmet while riding on public property.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Insights on PBS Hawaiʻi is a local public television program presented by PBS Hawai'i

7/10/25 New Safety Rules for Skateboards and Mopeds
Season 2025 Episode 21 | 56m 56sVideo has Closed Captions
All moped drivers in Hawai‘i are required to wear helmets and no one under 16 can drive one per a new state law. Another new law requires skateboard riders under 18 to wear a helmet while riding on public property.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Insights on PBS Hawaiʻi
Insights on PBS Hawaiʻi is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship>> THIS YEAR, HAWAI'I LAWMAKERS PASSED NEW LEGISLATION AIMED AT IMPROVING SAFETY FOR YOUNG RIDERS--REQUIRING HELMETS FOR ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 ON SKATEBOARDS AND MOPEDS.
BUT WILL THESE NEW RULES MAKE OUR STREETS SAFER?
AND HOW WILL THEY BE ENFORCED?
JOIN US AS WE BREAK DOWN WHAT THESE NEW LAWS MEAN FOR FAMILIES, RIDERS, AND DRIVERS ACROSS THE STATE.
DON'T MISS THE CONVERSATION NEXT ON INSIGHTS.
>> Daryl: ALOHA AND WELCOME TO INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAI'I...
I'M DARYL HUFF.
THIS YEAR STATE LAWMAKERS PASSED LEGISLATION REGARDING SAFETY RULES FOR YOUNG SKATEBOARD AND MOPED RIDERS.
FOR SKATEBOARDERS--ALL RIDERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 ARE NOW REQUIRED TO WEAR A HELMET.
ALL MOPED USERS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO WEAR A HELMET AND THE MINIMUM AGE FOR DRIVING A MOPED IS NOW 16.
SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR RIDERS ACROSS THE STATE AND HOW WILL THESE NEW SAFETY MEASURES BE ENFORCED?
WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR PARTICIPATION IN TONIGHT'S SHOW.
YOU CAN EMAIL OR CALL IN YOUR QUESTIONS.
AND YOU'LL FIND A LIVE STREAM OF THIS PROGRAM AT PBSHAWAII.ORG AND THE PBS HAWAI'I YOUTUBE PAGE.
NOW, TO OUR GUESTS.
SENATOR KARL RHOADS REPRESENTS SENATE DISTRICT 13, WHICH EXTENDS FROM NU'UANU TO IWILEI AND TO DOWNTOWN.
HE ASSUMED OFFICE IN 2016 AND INTRODUCED SENATE BILL 30 REGARDING MOPED SAFETY.
HE IS THE CHAIR OF THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE AND PLAYED BASKETBALL AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.
ROBERT SATO IS THE CO-FOUNDER AND GENERAL MANAGER OF MOPED DOCTORS IN HONOLULU.
AS A MOPED ACTIVIST HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE MOPED SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAM AND HELPED THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DEVELOP AND FINALIZE NOISE STANDARDS.
GARRETT HALL IS THE STATE TRAUMA PROGRAM MANAGER AND THE ACTING CHIEF OF THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES & INJURY PREVENTION SYSTEM BRANCH.
HE IS A REGISTERED NURSE AND HAS A MASTER'S DEGREE IN BIOMEDICAL INFORMATICS.
HE IS A BOARD MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN TRAUMA SOCIETY.
LET ME START WITH SENATOR RHODES.
WHAT WERE YOU THINKING IN PUSHING THIS BILL?
WHAT IS WAS THE MAIN GEL?
>> I DIDN'T INTRODUCE IT.
I INTRODUCED SB 344.
>> Daryl: THEY'RE ALL LAWS.
>> THEY'RE BOTH LAWS NOW.
WHAT WE WERE DRIVING AT MINORS INVOLVED IN PHYSICAL THERAPY ASKED ME TO INTRODUCE IT.
AND I AGREE.
THE REASON FOR IT WAS BECAUSE HELMETS ACROSS THE BOARD PRETTY MUCH IN ANY SITUATION REDUCED BRAIN INJURIES SIGNIFICANTLY.
AND SO IT WAS A SAFETY MEASURE, AND BOTH THESE BILLS WILL MAKE OUR STREETS AND RIDER SAFER.
>> Daryl: ROBERT SATO, DO YOU FEEL LIKE THESE LAWS ARE APPROPRIATE FOR THE WAY PEOPLE RIDE MOPEDS ESPECIALLY?
>> THAT'S A SWEEPING GENERALIZATION.
IT'S DIFFICULT TO GIVE YOU A ONE POINT ANSWER ON THAT.
WHAT HAPPENS IS THE NUMBER ONE THING THAT YOU CAN USE IN TERMS OF YOUR OWN SAFETY IN TERMS OF DRIVING, WHETHER IT'S A CAR, MOPED OR BICYCLE OR WHATEVER.
EVEN AS A PEDESTRIAN IS SITUATIONAL AWARENESS.
THAT'S THE NUMBER ONE THING.
A HELMET SOMEBODY PROVEN TO DROP THE NUMBER OF BRAIN INJURIES.
HOWEVER, IT'S NOT AS SIMPLE AS THAT IN A NOT OF SITUATIONS.
THERE'S A LOT OF VARIABLES INVOLVED.
AND THERE'S A FEW THINGS THAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER LIKE STATE OF HAWAI'I, WE'RE KNOWN FOR HAVING MOPEDS.
THE WEATHER IS GREAT YEAR ROUND.
OAHU'S VERY SMALL AND COMPACT.
FROM ONE END OF THE ISLAND IS 3.
A MOPED CAN GET 37 MILES.
YOU SAVE TONS OF MONEY ON PARKING.
>> Daryl: I WANT TO GIVE GARRETT A CHANCE, AND WE'RE GOING TO GO BACK.
>> SURE, NO PROBLEM.
>> Daryl: OKAY.
HOW IMPORTANT AND HOW MUCH DIFFERENCE YOU THINK THIS WILL MAKE TO QUALITY OF LIFE TO PEOPLE AND ALL OF THE PEOPLE IN HAWAI'I?
>> FROM AN INJURY PREVENTION STANDPOINT AND A UTILIZATION OF OUR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE, IT'S VERY IMPORTANT.
WE SEE ABOUT 600 LAST YEAR MOPED INJURIES ALONE WITHOUT HELMETS INVOLVED, AND RESULTING IN 911 CALLS.
WE KNOW THAT THOSE INJURIES THEMSELVES IMPACT HEALTHCARE AS A WHOLE, AND THE ABILITY TO SUSTAIN THOSE INDIVIDUALS FIRST WITHIN THE STATE OF HAWAI'I, WE ONLY HAVE NEUROSUR ONS ON TWO ISLANDS.
HELMETS ARE REALLY IMPORTANT.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR SITUATION AND SITUATIONAL AWARENESS.
I AGREE.
THAT'S SUPER IMPORTANT.
WHAT SERVICES DO YOU HAVE AVAILABLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY?
>> Daryl: I'M GOING TO STOP YOU THERE.
I WANT TO GET TO A VIDEO THAT WE HAVE THAT I'M GOING TO INTRODUCE IN A SECOND.
RIGHT NOW WHAT I WANT TO SAY IS JUST TO CLARIFY WHAT HAS CHANGED IN TERMS OF THE LAW, THE BIGGEST CHANGE FROM WHAT I'M HEARING IS THAT ALL MOPED RIDERS ARE GOING TO HAVE TO WEAR HELMETS.
THAT'S PRETTY DRAMATIC CHANGE.
WE'LL MAKE SURE WE TALK QUITE A BIT ABOUT THAT DURING THE SHOW.
WHEN IT COMES TO SKATEBOARDS, WHAT WE'VE DONE IS SKATEBOARD RIDERS DIDN'T HAVE TO WEAR A HELMET BUT NOW ANYONE UNDER 18 HAS TO.
>> ON PUBLIC PROPERTY.
>> Daryl: MOST PLACES THEY GO, SIDEWALKS, PARKS.
LET'S GO TO SKATEBOARD RIGHTERS AND HEAR WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY ABOUT WEARING HELMETS.
>> MY FIRST THOUGHT WOULD BE, LIKE, I FEEL LIKE THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS THAT NEED TO BE POLICING ON THAT'S TAKEN KIND LIKE THE ENERGY AWAY FROM, LIKE, OVERPOLICING PETTY THINGS.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PENALTY IS.
LIKE A FINE, BUT IT'S JUST -- I DON'T KNOW.
IT GOES BACK TO THE SAME THING.
THERE'S OTHER MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO BE FOCUSING ON.
DON'T NEED COPS MAKING THEIR ROUNDS TO SKATE PARKS OR PULLING OVER SKATERS GOING DOWN THE STREET.
>> I THINK IT'S UNNECESSARY.
THAT'S WHAT I THINK.
THERE'S PLENTY OF OTHER MORE PRESSING ISSUES ON THE ISLAND.
>> I THINK MOST OF THE TIME, IF THEY KNOW WHAT THEY'RE GETTING INTO, AND THEY KNOW IT'S DANGEROUS, WHAT THEY'RE ABOUT TO DO, THEY SHOULD PROBABLY WEAR A HELMET.
MOST OF THE TIME WE'RE SKATING TO THE STORE.
GOING TO GET A COCA-COLA OR SOMETHING.
OR PEPSI.
>> MY NAME'S JULIE AN NA, I'M FROM FLORIDA.
I'M 11.
IF IT'S NOT DANGEROUS ACTIVITY, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WEAR HELEN HEL.
ROLLING DOWN RAMPS AND STUFF, IT'S NOT THAT DANGEROUS.
I'VE NEVER HIT MY HEAD.
>> I THINK IF THE PARENTS WANT YOU TO WEAR HELEN HEL, YOU SHOULD.
IF THEY DON'T CARE, YOU DON'T HAVE TO.
>> I FEEL LIKE SOME SKATERS ARE AGAINST HELMETS.
IT'S LIKE A PERSONAL CHOICE AT THE END OF THE DAY.
THEY DEFINITELY SERVE A GOOD PURPOSE.
I HIT MY HEAD BEFORE.
PLENTY OF OTHER SKATERS HAVE.
THEY DEFINITELY CAN PROTECT YOU FROM IT BUT IT'S LIKE A PERP M M -- PERSONAL CHOICE.
USUALLY IF I'M JUST CRUISING I'LL NOT WEARING ONE.
>> Daryl: SO WHILE WE WERE WATCHING THE VIDEO, WE GOT OUR FIRST QUESTION FOR SENATOR RHODES FROM GORDAN IN PALOLO VALLEY.
WHY IS IT A CONCERN NOW AS IT WASN'T IN THE PAST?
WHAT NEW INFORMATION DID YOU GET?
>> I INTRODUCED THE BILL SEVERAL YEARS IN A ROW.
IN THIS CASE IT'S JUST BECAUSE BILLS DON'T USUALLY PASS THE FIRST TIME NO MATTER HOW GOOD IT IS.
>> YOU CAN MAKE THAT CRITICISM OF ANY BILL.
IT WAS SOMETHING I HAVE BEEN INTERESTED IN FOR A WHILE.
THERE'S ALWAYS ATTENTION BETWEEN PERSONAL FREEDOM AND THE STATE SAYING YOU NEED TO DO THINGS TO PROTECT YOURSELF.
AND I'M OLD ENOUGH TO REMEMBER WHEN WE DEBATED SAFETY BELTS AND CARS.
NOW EVERYBODY'S PRETTY MUCH DOWN WITH THAT.
IT WASN'T THAT WAY 40 YEARS AGO.
AND PEOPLE WERE ARGUING, WE DON'T NEED TO DO IT.
>> Daryl: YOUR DISTRICT IS DOWNTOWN.
DO YOU SEE A LOT OF DANGEROUS SKATEBOARDS?
>> I DON'T KNOW IF WE SEE ANYMORE THAN ANYBODY ELSE.
YOUR CLIP WAS AT AALA PARK AND THE DISTRICT I REPRESENT.
I DON'T VIEW IT AS A DISTRICT SPECIFIC PROBLEM.
>> Daryl: GARRETT HALL, WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT INJURIES TO SKATEBOARDS, ESPECIALLY HEAD INJURIES.
>> TRAMATIC CAN BRAIN INJURIES ARE EIGHT TIMES MORE LIKELY ACCORDING TO AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL.
DO THE RESEARCH.
WHEN KNOW WHEN WE THROUGH THE TRAUMATIC INJURY DATA, THEY'RE EIGHT TIMES MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER A SEVERE BRAIN INJURY.
>> Daryl: THAN WHAT?
>> AVERAGE INJURY.
COULD BE CAR CRASHES.
ANYTHING FROM BICYCLE RIDING TO FALLS.
>> Daryl: HIGH LIKELIHOOD OF INJURING YOUR HEAD ON A SKATEBOARD.
>> CORRECT.
TRAUMA AS A WHOLE, EIGHT TIMES MORE LIKELY WHEN THEY'RE ON A SKATEBOARD.
>> STATISTICALLY DO WE HAVE A LOT OF KIDS IN HAWAI'I WITH INJURIES LIKE THAT?
I>> IT'S RELATIVE.
FROM 2024, JANUARY OF 2024 TO CURRENT DAY, THERE WERE 40 SKATEBOARDING INJURIES AND 50% HAVE SEVERE TDI.
>> Daryl: A QUICK ONE FOR SENATOR RHODES.
DID THE SKATEBOARD COMMUNITY SUPPORT THE LAW?
BOBBY FROM MAKIKI.
DID YOU HEAR FROM SKATEBOARDERS FROM THE SESSION?
>> I'D HAVE TO LOOK IT UP.
ONLINE THERE -- I DON'T BELIEVEE WAS A HUGE OUTCRY.
>> I DID WANT TO MAKE A POINT FAST.
40, 40 TRANSPORTED BY EMS.
THERE ARE SKATEBOARDERS THAT ARRIVE AT HOSPITALS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THAT NUMBER.
ARRIVE BY PARENTS.
DATA IS FROM THE EMERGENCY MEDICAL 911 ASSISTANCE.
>> Daryl: LET'S SHIFT DOWN TO THE HELMETS FOR MOPED AND ROBERT, YOU INDICATE THE YOU DIDN'T SUPPORT THIS LEGISLATION.
WHY IS THAT?
WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT BE ASSOCIATED WITH HAVING A LAW LIKE 24 THIS?
>> FIRST OF ALL, THERE WAS SMORE BILL INTRODUCED BY SOMEBODY IN THE STATE LEGISLATURE.
THEY WANTED TO CREATE A BILL.
I DON'T REMEMBER IF IT WAS THE HOUSE OR SENATE.
THEY WANTED TO MAKE IT SO ANYBODY OF ANY AGE THAT RIDES ANY TWO-WHEEL BICYCLE -- E-BIKE, SCOOTER, WOULD HAVE TO WEAR A HELMET?
I WAS THINKING WHY IS THAT LESSER BILL IN EXISTENCE?
HOWEVER THAT BILL GOT CHANGED AND DIDN'T BECOME LAW.
SO TO ME, INSTEAD OF RAISING THE AGE TO 18, INSTEAD TO 21.
PEOPLE IN A CERTAIN AGE GROUP TENDS TO HAVE MORE INJURIES.
7 OR 8-YEAR-OLD WILL HAVE MORE THAN A PERSON WHO 18 OR 21.
THERE'S A REASON WHY CAR INSURANCE RENTALS, YOU HAVE TO BE 25.
THERE'S A PROVEN TRACK RECORD THAT MAYBE THEY OVERREACHED AND THEY SHOULD HAVE IMPLEMENTED SAY IT USED TO BE 18, THE MAXIMUM AGE OF HELMETS.
SHOULD HAVE RAISED IT TO 21 INSTEAD OF DOING EVERYBODY AT ONE TIME.
>> Daryl: SO I UNDERSTAND YOUR POINT.
YOU'RE BASICALLY SAYING IT MAKES SENSE TO HAVE A AGE-SPECIFIC LAW.
IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO HAVE A LAW THAT ALSO AFFECTS ELECTRIC BIKES AND VEHICLES?
>> I BELIEVE THEY OVERREACHED AND WENT TOO FAR IN TERMS OF TARGETING EVERYBODY WHO RIGHTS A MOPED.
OKAY.
NOT EVERYBODY WHO RIDES A MOPED IS GOING TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT.
GARRETT, RIGHT, YOU BROUGHT STATISTICS.
HOW MANY INJURIES A YEAR?
>> YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT MOPED?
LAST YEAR -- THESE ARE MOPED INJURY THAT'S RESULTED IN EMS BEING DISPATCHED.
APPROXIMATELY 600.
>> Daryl: LET ME MAKE SURE WE UNDERSTAND THE STATISTICS.
IS IT 600 INJURIES INVOLVING MOPEDS THAT INVOLVE AMBULANCE.
>> CORRECT.
>> Daryl: OF THOSE DO WE HAVE A BREAKDOWN WHETHER THEY WERE HEAD INJURIES?
>> ABOUT 25% WERE HEAD INJURIES, ISOLATED HEAD INJURIES.
37% ARE WHAT WE CALL POLLY TRAUMA.
HEAD OR SOME SORT OF LIMB OR INJURY INVOLVED.
37%.
OVER 50% OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS -- >> Daryl: OF THE 600.
>> CORRECT.
HAVE A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.
>> 30% ISOLATED.
>> UNDERSTOOD.
>> Daryl: OKAY.
>> THAT'S QUITE A FEW INJURIES.
THAT'S TRUE.
AVERAGE LESS THAN TWO A DAY.
I'D LIKE TO BRING SOME STATISTICS FROM STATE OF HAWAI'I.
DEPARTMENT OF -- I CHECKED WITH DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION STATISTICS ON TRAFFIC FATALITIES ITS WE HAVE I DON'T KNOW IF THE CAMERA CAN ZOOM IN.
>> Daryl: WE CANNOT USE YOUR PAPER.
>> THE THING IS THAT FROM JANUARY 1ST THROUGH JULY 9TH, THERE WERE 71 DEATHS TRAFFIC FAY TAL FAYS INCLUDING PEDESTRIAN, MOTORCYCLE, WHAT HAVE YOU.
MOPEDS 0.
JANUARY TO JULY '24, ZERO.
2023 WAS ALSO ZERO.
SO YES, WE DO HAVE INJURIES BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO FATALITIES IN THE LAST TWO YEARS.
MAYBE THREE DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU CUT IT OFF.
>> Daryl:.
>> Daryl: SENATOR RHODES, YOU WANT TO RESPOND?
>> PART.
REASON IS MOPEDS DON'T GO AS FAST.
THE WHOLE QUESTION OF WHICH HAZARDS THE GOVERNMENT'S GOING TO ADDRESS AND WHICH ONES THEY AREN'T IS A LEGITIMATE ONE.
I WOULD SAY PROBABLY, IF YOU LOOK AT THE STATS, IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE TO HAVE HELMETS FOR MOPEDS BUT MAKES SENSE TO HAVE HELMETS FOR MOTORCYCLES BECAUSE THEY GO SO MUCH FASTER WHEN THEY HAVE A COLLISION.
YOU HAVE REALLY BAD COLLISIONS.
THAT'S NOT THE WAY THINGS HAVE WORKED OUT AT THE LEGISLATURE, BUT LOOKING AT THE STATS, I THINK THAT WOULD BE A FAIR CRITICISM.
>> Daryl: YOU THINK THAT'S GOING TO BE NEXT?
DOES IT HELP YOU HAVE THIS RURAL FOR MOPEDS AND NOW IT'S EASIER GET IT FOR MOTORCYCLES FROM A POLITICAL STEP BY STEP -- >> I HAVE NO IDEA.
MOTORCYCLISTS HAVE BEEN VERY WELL ORGANIZED OVER THE YEARS.
FORTUNATELY OR UNFORTUNATELY IT'S ORGANIZED INTEREST DO THE BEST AT THE LEGISLATURE.
I'M NOT SURE WHY THEY DON'T WANT TO USE HELMETS.
YOU'RE GOING 60 MILES AN HOUR WITH NOTHING AROUND YOU BASICALLY, AND YOU'RE ASKING FOR TROUBLE.
SO I DON'T QUITE UNDERSTAND IT MYSELF.
THERE'S BAD STATS ON MOTORCYCLES.
>> I THINK THAT'S AN IMPORT CONTEXT BECAUSE PEOPLE NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHEN THEY INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN THAT RISK TAKING BEHAVIOR.
ANY VEHICLE WHERE THEY'RE NOT SURROUNDED OR PROTECTED AND NEED A HELMET.
WE ONLY HAVE NEUROSURGEONS ON OAHU AND MAUI.
IF YOU SUFFER ONE OF THESE INJURIES ON ANY OF THE OUTER ISLANDS, YOU'RE DEPEND ON AIR MEDICAL TRANS PORT TO GET YOU TO A NEUROSURGEON OR A LOCATION THAT CAN ASSIST YOU FROM RECOVERY FROM A SEVERE TDI.
WE KNOW THE LONGER YOU GO WITHOUT GETTING CARE OR SEEN AT A LEVEL ONE TRAUMA CENTER, THE WORST THE OUTCOMES ARE GOING TO BE.
THAT'S A BIG CONCERN.
WE WANT EVERYONE TO UNDERSTAND WHEN YOU INVOLVE YOURSELVES IN THESE BEHAVIORS, YOU'RE PUTTING YOURSELF AT A BIG RISKE.
SEVERE TDI IS APPROXIMATELY 60% MORTALITY IN THE STATE OF HAWAI'I.
>> Daryl: LET ME GIVE ROBERT SATO ANOTHER CHANCE TO EXPLAIN HIS CONCERNS ABOUT THIS LAW.
IN PARTICULAR, YOU DID BRING SOME SAMPLES WITH YOU.
LET'S SAY WE SUCCESS IN GETTING EVERYONE TO WEAR HELMETS WHICH IS ALREADY A BIG ASSUMPTION TO START WITH.
SAY WE REDUCE THESE ACCIDENTS BY 50%.
IS IT WORTH TO YOU THAT SAVINGS, GIVING THE HASSLE, EXPENSE AND TROUBLE OF HAVING THIS LAW EXTEND TO EVERYONE?
HOW MUCH IT COSTS, DO THEY WORK?
>> I'M GOING TO BE FRANK.
SENATOR RHODES IS ADDRESSING MOTORCYCLE LOBBY.
THEY HAVE A LOBBY.
WHEN YOU HAVE A GROUP OF PEOPLE AND ALMOST EVERY FATALITY, MOTORCYCLE GROUPS, THEY HAVE 19 DEATHS SINCE JANUARY.
11 DEATHS IN 2024 FROM JANUARY TO JULY.
THEY HAVE WAY MORE DEATHS THAN MOPEDS DO.
THEY GO FAST, THEY'RE POWERFUL.
YOU CAN GO 120 MILES ON A MOTORCYCLE ILLEGALLY.
MOPEDS 30 MILES AN HOUR.
THAT MAKES IT CONTRADICTORY, HYPOCRITICAL, IN MY VIEW.
MUCH HIGHER GROUP AT PEOPLE MUCH MORE AT RISK AND MUCH MORE LIKELY TO BE SPLATTERED, TO NOT HAVE HELMETS.
VERSUS THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE NOT VERY POPULAR IN TERMS OF BEING SUPPORTED BY THE COMMUNITY.
MOPED PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO GET BY BECAUSE THIS IS ONE OF THE FEW -- THEY'RE NOT BEING SUPPOSED.
>> MOTORCYCLE RIDERS ARE GETTING AWAY WITH IT.
WE FEEL LIKE WE ARE KIND OF BEING PRESSURED AND TARGETED AS AN EASIER TARGET THAN OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE MORE ORGANIZED.
MOST OF THE MOPED RIDERS ARE TRYING TO GET BY.
>> I WOULD SAY THAT WE'RE -- IF YOU'RE BEING PROTECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND WERE NOT PROTECTING SOMEBODY ELSE, YOU SHOULD BE GRATEFUL THE GOVERNMENT IS PROTECTING YOU AND WE'RE LEAVING SOMEBODY ELSE NOT PROTECTED.
WHY THEY WANT TO BE UNPROTECTED IS BEYOND ME.
YOU'RE COVERED BY A LAW THAT PREVENT DEATHS AND INJURIES.
>> I DON'T SEE THAT THING IS YOU HAVE A LARGER GROUP OF PEOPLE THAN MOPEDS BEING ADDRESS THE.
YOU CAN MAKE YOUR POINT.
>> I DON'T DISAGREE.
WE'RE NOT TARGETING YOU.
WE SHOULD BE -- >> NO, BUT THERE IS -- THERE IS A CONCERN IN THE MOPED COMMUNITY THAT THEY'RE CONSTANTLY VIEWED BY TARGETS BY POLITICAL ELEMENTS THAT DON'T LIKE MOPEDS FOR WHATEVER REASON.
>> NO.
NO THE -- NOT FROM ME.
I'M ALL FOR MOPED.
THEY GET GREAT GAS MILEAGE.
SOME ARE LOUD.
>> BAN THOSE PEOPLE.
>> AS A MATTER OF TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVE, I THINK IT'S GREAT.
>> WE AGREE ON THAT.
>> WE CERTAINLY DO.
>> Daryl: WHAT YOU'VE GOT IS AGREEMENT AMONG THREE PEOPLE YOU SHOULD DO THIS FOR MOTORCYCLES BUT POLITICALLY IT'S DIFFICULT.
ANOTHER ISSUE RAISED BY OUR VIEWERS.
COUPLE FOLKS,ESTER, DID LAW ENFORCEMENT ACROSS THE STATE SUPPORT EITHER OR BOTH OF THESE LAWS?
TWO FROM ERIC IN KAILUA.
BOTH QUESTIONS FOR YOU, SENATOR.
DID EITHER OF THESE LAWS PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR LAWMAKER TO HELP WITH ENFORCE RMENTS?
WHAT'S THE PENALTY, BY THE WAY?
THAT WAS THE THIRD QUESTION.
>> IT'S IN THE TRAFFIC CODE.
WHATEVER THE PENALTIES ARE THERE.
I'M QUITE SURE IT'S A FINE FOR BOTH.
>> MOVING VIOLATION?
>> NO, I DON'T THINK SO.
I DON'T REMEMBER BUT IT'S IN THE TRAFFIC CODE.
>> Daryl: REMEMBER WHAT THE PENALTY IS IF THEY DON'T WEAR A HELMET?
>> I BELIEVE THEY HAVE FINES.
IT DEPENDS.
NOT TOO MANY PEOPLE GET PULLED OVER FOR THAT.
IT'S A WHOLE NEW THING.
THE PROBLEM WITH THIS LAW IS NOT THE IMPLEMENTATION.
THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF ANTI-MOPED LAWS INTRODUCED.
TRYING TO BAN THE LAST THREE OR FOUR YEARS.
THAT'S NOT THE POINT.
POINT I'M TRYING TO MAKE, HPD ARE SHORT 20 TO 25% MANPOWER.
I TALKED TO ONE LAWMAKER.
HE TOLD ME OFF THE RECORD, I'M NOT GOING TO IDENTIFY WHO HE WAS.
HE TOLD ME ENFORCEMENT IS NOT POSSIBLE OR NOT A PRIORITY OR ENFORCEMENT IS FOLLOW THE CAPABLE OF BEING DONE.
I SEE THESE LAWS COMING OUT.
CAN IT BE ENFORCED OR NOT?
THAT TWO STROKE MOPED THING.
IF THE POLICE HAD IMPLEMENTED STRICT ENFORCEMENT, WHICH WE ENCOURAGE, PULL THESE GUYS OVER AND TICKET.
>> Daryl: I'M NOT A MOPED PERSON OR A MECHANICAL PERSON.
WHEN YOU GUYS TALKS ABOUT TWO STROKES -- >> THAT LOUD MODIFIED THAT ARE ON OBSOLETE.
THEY'RE OUTLAWED IN MOST PLACES IN THE UNITED STATES.
>> Daryl: I'M SORRY BECAUSE YOU'RE VERY KNOWLEDGEBLING BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE STAY ON TRACK.
>> NOT A PROBLEM.
>> Daryl: TWO STROKES, I DON'T WANT TO GET OFF TOPIC.
YOU'VE GOT MOPEDS LOUD AND ILLEGAL.
>> THEY'RE NO LONGER AROUND.
>> Daryl: I HEAR THEM.
>> THEY'RE OUT THERE.
>> Daryl: WHAT IS THE MECHANISM FOR ENFORCING THAT?
>> LIKE I SAID EARLIER, HPD HAD THE MANPOWER TEN YEARS AGO, 11 YEARS AGO.
IF THEY HAD ENFORCED, PULLED OVER THE MOPEDS, OUR MOPED SHOPS WOULD HAVE BEEN HAPPY TO HELP IDENTIFY.
THERE WASN'T A LONG-TERM EFFORT TO PULL THEM OVER.
IF THEY DID THAT TEN, 15 YEARS AGO, YOU WOULDN'T HAVE IT.
LIKE HAVING A GUN AND YOU'RE A GUN SHOP AND YOU HAVE LAW ABIDING CITIZENS AND YOU HAVE CRIMINALS WITH NO NUMBERS.
KIND OF LIKE THAT.
WE HAVE NO JURISDICTION.
THESE TWO STROKE LAW MOPEDS ARE BEING REPLACED BY HIGH POWERED.
THEY'RE TRADING IT?
>> Daryl: OKAY.
SENATOR RHODES.
>> LOOK, ON OAHU, THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS SHORT 456 POSITIONS.
>> I UNDERSTAND THAT.
>> YEAH.
THAT'S THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM.
LIKE THEY ENFORCE EVERY OTHER LAW.
THEY DO CLICK IT AND TICKET.
SAME SAFETY ENFORCEMENT THING THEY DO.
THEY'RE PERFECTLY CAPABLE OF ENFORCING.
MOPED, THE FACT WE MADE IT ACROSS THE BOARD MAKES IT EASIER.
NOT STOP AND FIGURE IF YOU'RE 15 OR 18.
>> RIGHT.
>> IT'S QUITE A LOT EASIER ENFORCE.
>> FROM AN INJURY PREVENTION STANDPOINT, WHETHER IT'S ESPECIALLY -- ENFORCED OT OR NO, IT'S LIKES SPEED LIMIT.
I'M GUILTY OF THAT.
>> IT'S THERE'S AS A DETERNLGT.
IT DETESTIFIERS.
PEOPLE KNOW THERE'S A LAW.
I NEED TO MAKE SURE I WEAR MY HELMET.
IF I DON'T THERE'S A CONSEQUENCE FOR IT.
REALITY AS WE KNOW, AND IT'S PROVEN.
I'D LOVE TO SEE THE HELMET THAT YOU BROUGHT WITH YOU.
WE KNOW THAT 88% OF THE SIM THEY'RE WEARING A HELMET, THAT INSURES THE INDIVIDUAL STAYS HEALTHY.
THEY'RE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TO SET, WORK, LIVE A HEALTHY LIFE.
THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT DON'T WEAR A HELMET END UP IN A STATE WHERE THEY MAY BE A BURDEN TO THEIR FAMILY.
MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE REHAB AND CARE THEY NEED.
>> THAT'S ANOTHER ISSUE WE HAVE WITHIN HAWAI'I.
WE DON'T HAVE REALLY STRONG, STRONG POCKETS OF SEVERE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY PROCESS.
>> Daryl: VIEWERS POINT, SOMEONE COMMENTING ON YouTube.
WRITERS AGAINST HELMET LAWS THINK THEY'LL NEVER BE IT'S THEE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT OR TRAMA BRAIN INJURY.
THEY DON'T CONSIDER THEIR OHANA WHO MAY RELY ON THEM.
THAT'S A FAIR COMMENT.
YOU'VE PROBABLY KNOWN GUYS WHO WERE INJURED ON MOPEDS THAT BECAME -- THEIR LIVES WERE CHANGED FOREVER.
>> I'VE KNOWN PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN INJURED ON MOPEDS, CARS, MOTORCYCLES.
SOME PEOPLE SHRUG IT OFF AND SOME DON'T.
WHAT IT COMES DOWN TO, I'M FOR USING HELMETS.
I THINK THE LAW'S OVERREACHING.
WHAT HAPPENED WAS THERE WAS TALK IN THE LEGISLATION OVER THE FIVE-MONTH PERIOD, THIS BILL, THERE WAS TALK OF MAKING IT FOR 21-YEAR-OLDS AND ALL THAT.
APPARENTLY THAT WAS NOT IMPLEMENTED.
SO I'M NOT SAYING THAT I'M AGAINST HELMETS.
I PERSONALLY USE ONE.
I THINK IT'S PERSONAL CHOICE.
LIKE GETTING IN YOUR CAR AND USING YOUR SEAT BELT OR NOT.
YOU GET PULLED OVER, GREAT.
IF YOU GET INTO AN ACCIDENT, THAT'S ON YOU.
>> Daryl: I'M GOING BACK TO SKATEBOARDS.
THIS IS SOMETHING WE WERE JOKING ABOUT A LITTLE BIT EARLIER WHEN WE TALKED ABOUT THE ALASKAS ON - SKATEBOARDS ON THE VIDEO.
THEY GET HASSLED BY THE POLICE.
SAYS, I'M OPPOSED TO ANY LAW -- CHAD.
I'M OPPOSED TO ANY LAW THAT INCREASING -- ANY LAW THAT INCREASES INTERACTION WITH PLACE WITH SKATEBOARDERS.
I FEEL POLICE ALREADY TARGET US.
THIS GIVES THEM ANOTHER EXCUSE.
IS THAT A CONCERN, SENATOR, AT ALL?
>> I MEAN, I DON'T HAVE NO DATA ON THE TOPIC WHETHER THE POLICE ARE TARGETING OR HARASSING.
THERE'S A LOT OF SKATEBOARDS, PARTICULARLY IN AALA PARK.
I'VE NEVER ACTUALLY SEEN A POLICE OFFICER TALK TO ANY OF THEM.
I'M NOT THERE 24/7.
>> Daryl: THEY MAY BE SKATEBOARDING WHERE THEY MAY NOT SUPPOSED TO BE.
>> I HAVE NO IDEA.
>> Daryl: QUESTION FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, GARRETT.
EXPECT FOR THIS SHOW, HOW ARE PARENTS GOING TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEWE HELMET RULES?
IS PUBLIC OUTREACH PLANNED?
>> WE DO HAVE AN INJURY PREVENTION AND OUTREACH DEPARTMENT THAT FOCUSES ON THIS SPECIFICALLY.
SO YES, WE OUTREACH TO THE PUBLIC TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY.
OBVIOUSLY, OUTREACH AND INITIATIVES REQUIRE FUNDING.
WHEN WE HAVE THESE THINGS, WE HAVE TO PUT IT IN PLACE.
AND PRIORITIZE THOSE.
WE WORK WITH KEIKI CHILDREN'S COALITION AND KAPIOLANI AND OTHER PLACES SO THEY CONSTANTLY ARE EDUCATING THE USE OF HEALTH HES.
I ANTICIPATE THAT EVEN IF IT'S NOT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, IT WOULD BE ONE OF OUR COALITION MEMBERS OR PARTNERS.
WE DON'T HAVE AN ENDLESS POT OF GOLD WHERE WE CAN EDUCATE ON EVERY POSSIBLE INJURY BUT WE WILL DO OUR PART.
>> Daryl: AND THIS IS A SAD STORY FROM LAUREN AND GARY IN WAHIAWA.
NEPHEW DIED IN 1999 AFTER FALLING OFF A SKATEBOARD.
IT PUTS IT IN A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE.
WE SEE KIDS ON MOPEDS GOING OVER 30 MILES AN HOUR AND DOING WHEELIES.
I DON'T THINK THEY'RE MOPEDS.
>> SHE'S TRYING TO BRING THE MOPED COMMUNITY INTO THAT.
I'LL BE HONEST.
I WAS ONE OF THE FEW MOPED SHOPS AND HELPED COMING UP WITH SOME OF THE STANDARDS FOR THE SAFETY INSPECTION SYSTEM.
I'VE ALL BEEN AGAINST LOUD MOPEDS.
PEOPLE MAY SAY SHOPS ARE THE BAD GUYS.
THAT'S IRRELEVANT.
WE'RE PART OF THE FRONT LINE OF DEFENSE AND ENFORCING NOISE.
>> I'M REALLY SORRY TO HEAR THAT.
FORTUNATELY, ACTUALLY DEATHS FROM SKATEBOARDS DON'T HAPPEN OFTEN.
>> Daryl: NOT FOR MOPED ACCIDENTS OFTEN EITHER.
>> AND THAT'S A GOOD THING.
I DON'T WANT PEOPLE TO DIE.
>> Daryl: TRAMATIC BRAIN INJURY HAS A PUBLIC POLICY ISSUE.
>> WE KNOW THAT EVEN THESE BRAIN INJURIES THAT TAKE PLACE, WE'RE LEARNING MORE AS SCIENCE EVOLVES.
AS AN INDIVIDUAL AGES IT PUTS THEM AT RISK FOR ACCELERATEDDED BRAIN INJURY.
AND CTE THAT WE'RE LEARNING MORE ABOUT THAT CAUSE DEPRESSION AND OTHER AS -- CASCADELING LIST SUCH AS OBESITY.
THERE'S TONS WE'RE LEARNING NOW.
WHEN YOU HAVE A CONCUSSION OR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY AT A YIN AGE, WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM >> Daryl: BACK TO MOPEDS, TAKING BACK OVER OUR QUESTIONING.
ACTUALLY, THIS IS A QUESTION FOR GARRETT HALL FROM 9 HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN TRYING TO GET HELMET LAWS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS?
SOMETHING YOU'VE AD ADVOCATED F?
>> I WILL SAY THE INJURY PREVENTION COALITION HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN OUTREACH FOR HELMET PROTECTION BECAUSE THEY UNDERSTAND HOW IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND IT SAVES PEOPLE'S LIVES IN THE LONG TERM.
OVERALL, THERE ARE COALITIONS ACROSS THE STATE THAT HAVE BEEN ADVOCATING FOR HELMETS.
IN PARTICULAR HELMETS FOR CHILDREN BECAUSE OF THE LONG-TERM IMPACTS THAT IT MAY HAVE ON OUR KEIKI.
AND SO THAT'S AN ONGOING INITIATIVE THAT'S ALWAYS OUT THERE.
>> Daryl: YOU KNOW, I KNOW THAT YOU BROUGHT THE HELMETS TO SHOW PEOPLE.
I INVITED YOU TO SHOW US YEFERG.
EARLIER.
>> IF GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY, I CAN SHOW IT.
>> Daryl: WHAT IT'S GOING TO MEAN FOR RIDERS.
>> THERE ARE TREE -- THREE TYPEF HELMETS.
YOU WANT A FEDERALLY APPROVED.
TO ENSURE YOU GET THE MAXIMUM SAFETY POSSIBLE.
THIS IS TYPICAL.
IT COVERS THE BRAIN.
THE MOST EHE ESSENTIAL.
EASY TO PUT IN YOUR MOPED AND PROVIDES ESSENTIAL PROTECTION.
>> Daryl: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
>> LOW $40 TO ABOUT $75.
AND THEN YOU HAVE THE NEXT ONE UP.
THIS IS A THREE-QUARTER HELMET.
COVERS MOST OF YOUR FACESES.
I PREFER THE LADIES TO WEAR THEM.
IT WILL PROTECT THEIR PRETTY FACES, WHICH IS WAY PRETTIER THAN MINE.
[LAUGHTER] THIS ONE -- EVERYBODY, I'M FROM THE '80s.
I'M OLD.
THIS HELMET PROVIDES MORE PROTECTION ON THE SIDE AND ALLOWS YOU TO SUFFER LESS FACIAL INJURY TO YOUR MAXI CRANIAL AREA.
THIS IS A FULL FACE HELMET 79 WILL GIVE YOU THE MAXIMUM PROTECTION.
PROBLEM ISN'T THEY'RE A SILVER BULLET.
PROBLEM IS ONE, THE PERSON'S AWARENESS OF WHERE THEY ARE.
AND ARE THEY USING THEIR HELMET PROPERLY?
LIKE, THAT'S THE BIGGEST ISSUE I HAVE.
YEAH, EVERYONE'S WEAR A HELMET.
WE SOLVED THE PROBLEM.
THAT'S NOT NECESSARILY THE CASE.
YOU WANT THE PERSON TO USE IT PROPERLY AND NOW HOE TO STRAP IT ON PROPERLY AND UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE DRAWBACKS TO CERTAIN HELMETS.
IT REDUCES YOUR PERIPHERAL VISION.
IT MAY BE JUST AS DANGEROUS AS NOT HAVING A HELMET.
DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?
YOU HAVE TO NOT BE ABLE TO NOT ONLY KNOW WHICH HELMET TO USE FOR WHATEVER REASON.
THIS IS LIGHTER AND ALLOWS YOU TO ENJOY HAWAI'I'S SUNLIGHT.
THIS HAS MAXIMUM PROTECTION.
YOU CAN HAVE A LITTLE LESS HEARING.
YOU HAVE TO BE AWARE OF THE HEARING.
MOPED CAN BE LOUD.
SIRENS GOING OFF, THINGS LIKE THAT.
YOU HAVE TO BE AWARE CERTAIN THINGS HAPPEN WITH CERTAIN ACCIDENTS.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT GARRETT'S INFORMATION IS ON, LIKE, NECK INJURIES BUT OUR OWNER AND PRESIDENT IS ACTUALLY A MOTORCYCLE RIDER OF 30, 40 YEARS.
AND HE RECOMMENDED THAT IF YOU'RE GOING TO WEAR A HELMET, YOU'RE GOING TO PICK ONE PROBABLY NOT FULL FACE.
I WEAR FULL FACE.
TO USE IT IN CONGESTION WITH THE HELMET AND WHAT HAPPENS IS THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTED CASES OF YOU CAN BREAK YOUR NECK IF YOU'RE AT THE WRONG ANGLE.
UNFORTUNATELY THAT CAN HAPPEN.
>> Daryl: HOLD ON.
I'M GOING TO STOP YOU SO I CAN MOVE ALONG TO QUESTIONS.
IF YOU WANT TO MAKE ONE MORE POINT ABOUT THE HELMET, I APPRECIATE THAT.
>> I'M FOR HELMETS.
I THINK THIS LAW IS OVERREACHING.
>> Daryl: OKAY.
THIS IS A REALLY INTERESTING QUESTION.
IT SAYS, IT REMINDS ME SCHOOLS ARE TRYING TO -- SOME SCHOOLS ARE TRYING TO BAN ELECTRIC BIKES.
THIS QUESTION, HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF CLEGG COLLEGE STUDS WEAR MOPEDS.
WOULD THE UNIVERSITY MANDATE HELMETS?
IS WHICH CAN MAKE IT COMPLICATED.
>> NO MORE THAN ANY PEDESTRIAN OR TRAFFIC LAW.
UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES HAVE ROADS THAT GO THROUGH THEIR CAMPUSES, AND THAT'S SUBJECT TO REGULAR RILES.
>> Daryl: IS THAT A CONCERN YOU MIGHT HAVE.
IS THAT A E-BICYCLE?
>> Daryl: NO, THIS IS MOPEDS.
>> MOPEDS.
THAT'S WHY I BELIEVE IF THE LAW HAD BEEN RACED FROM 18 TO 21, YOU CAN INCREASE ANY UNIVERSITY STUDENT.
>> Daryl: ALL RIGHT.
SO SEAT BELTS WERE REQUIRED BY FEDS BUT THREATENING TO WITHHOLD HIGHWAY FUNDING TO STATE THAT DOES NOT PASS SUCH LAWS.
I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD DO THAT WITH HELMETS.
IS THERE ANYTHING, GARRETT HALL, THAT SAFETY RULES COMING DOWN FROM THE FEDS THAT WOULD FORCE SOME OF THESE?
>> NOT THAT I'M AWARE.
>> NOT THIS ADMINISTRATION.
[LAUGHTER] >> Daryl: OKAY.
I THINK PEOPLE SHOULD BE SAFE AND WEAR HELMETS.
THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE DESIGNED FOR.
CURIOUS ABOUT MOPEDS IN BIKE LANES.
IS THAT ALLOWED?
>> YES, IN MOST AREAS EXTENT COUPLE OF NEARBY AREAS.
I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM WITH THE INCONSISTENT LAWS, IT CAUSES CONSTITUTION.
LIKE STUDENTS AT U.H.
WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR.
MOPEDS ARE ALLOWED IN BICYCLE LANES.
I'M FOR IT.
MOPEDS SHOULD BE ALLOW THE IN BICYCLE LANES WITH SPEED LIMITS.
>> Daryl: THAT'S AN INTERESTING QUESTION.
AND NOW THAT GARRETT AND -- SENATOR RHODES ARE INVOLVED IN THIS THIS DISCUSSION, WE'VE GOT DIFFERENT BIKE LANES IN DIFFERENT PLACES OF.
SOME ARE NOT WIDE AND DENT -- EXPECT PEOPLE TO GO IN TWO DIRECTION.
MOPEDS AND BIKE LANES.
WHY WOULD THEY BE IN A BIKE LANE?
>> MOPEDS USED TO BE MOTORIZED BIKES.
>> ALL STREETS ARE NOT THE SAME EITHER.
BERETANIA IS DIFFERENT THAN KING.
WHATEVER YOU'RE GOING WITH.
NO, I THINK THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION IS A MORE -- MORE MULTI-FACETTED.
YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE EVERYTHING.
IT USED TO BE A LONG TIME AGO, THAT THE CARS, IT WASN'T EXPECTED THAT CARS WOULD DOMINATE STREETS.
EVERYONE WAS ON THE STREETS.
BACK THEN YOU HAD HORSE DRAWN COURAGES.
COURAGE -- CAR RAGS.
HAVING A MULTIPLICITY OF WAY TO MOVE AROUND IS BETTER, UNCERTAINTY CAN BE A GOOD THING BECAUSE PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION.
I WAS IN VIETNAM A FEW YEARS AGO.
THERE'S NO BIKE LANE, NO SIDEWALKS AND EVERYBODY'S ON THE ROAD.
I'M SURE THEIR TRAFFIC FATALITY RATES ARE HIGH HIGHER.
I THINK WE NEED TO DO MORE.
WE NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR MOPEDS, MOTORCYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS.
>> IS AGREE ON SITUATIONAL AWARENESS IS KEY.
>> IT HAS TO BE THAT WAY, WAY, DISTRACTED MOVEMENT, WHETHER ON A MOPED OR CAR, THAT'S A HUGE PROBLEM.
>> IT'S USUALLY -- IT'S EVERYBODY BY THE CAR.
YOU HEAR ABOUT PEDESTRIANS THAT CROSS AGAINST THE LIGHT.
DOESN'T MATTER IF THEY'RE RIGHT OR WRONG.
IF THEY GET HIT BY A CAR THEY LOSE.
>> Daryl: YEARS AGO, SCHOOL SYSTEM PROVIDED HELMETS FOR BIKE RIDERS.
I DON'T REMEMBER THAT.
>> THERE STILL IS A CURRENT PROGRAM.
I KNOW THERE STILL IS A PROGRAM WHERE THEY TEACH SAFE RIDING SKILLS AT A CERTAIN SPECIFIC AGE GROUP.
I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S FOURTH GRADE.
AND THAT IS STILL AN ACTIVE PROGRAM, TO MY KNOWLEDGE IN PLACE.
AND THEY DO TEACH HELMET SAFETY, TOO.
>> Daryl: I DON'T THINK WE'RE GOING TO GET MUCH FURTHER WITH THE HELMET QUESTION.
I DID GET ONE QUESTION.
IF YOU HAVE AN ACCIDENT WITH ONE OF THESE HELMETS -- HERE'S THE QUESTION.
ARE THESE HELMETS ABLE TO PROTECT FROM MULTIPLE IMPACT OR ARE THEY ONE AND DONE.
DOES THE FOAM HAVE A LIMITED LIFE SPAN?
>> MOPEDS.
>> Daryl: JUST HELMETS.
>> YOU WOULD HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THE DOT STANDARDS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM.
THE D.O.T.
STANDARD IS STANDARD LEVEL OF MODE COME OF PROTECTION THAT ALLOWS YOU TO HAVE AN INCREASED CHANCE OF SURVIVAL AND LESS CHANCE OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY.
IF YOU WANT TO GET INTO THE NITTY-GRITTY, I RECOMMEND THAT PERSON GOOGLE THAT AND CHECK THAT TECHNICAL DATA OUT.
WHEN YOU HAVE AN ACCIDENT, THE SITUATION IS CHAOTIC.
THAT QUESTION ACTUALLY IS VERY DIFFICULT TO ANSWER.
IT'S A VERY GOOD QUESTION.
HOWEVER, IT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT CAN HAVE A CLEAR CUT ANSWER.
>> Daryl: ANYTHING IN THE LAW ABOUT THE QUALITY?
WHEN I BUY MY BICYCLE HELMETS, THERE'S RATINGS AND STUFF LIKE THAT.
CAN YOU JUST WEAR A BICYCLE HELMET IF YOU'RE A MOPED RIDER?
>> NO.
>> I THINK THIS IS A TRICKY SITUATION.
BEING A NURSE AND AN ADVOCATE AND UNDERSTANDING THAT HELMETS ARE EXPENSIVE.
AND THE RECOMMENDATION IN MOST CASES, IF THE HELMET IS INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT, IT SHOULDN'T BE USED.
REALITY IS, NOT EVERYONE CAN AFFORD IT.
IF IT'S A LOW IMPACT POTENTIALLY I PERSONALLY WOULD RATHER HAVE A PERSON WEARING A HELMET.
I DON'T ADVOCATE WHAT THE POLICY IS.
HELMET ONLY WORKS IF IT HASN'T BEEN USED IN A PREVIOUS INJURY.
THERE'S OTHER INJURY PROTECTION DEVICES.
ONCE YOU'VE USED IT, YOU SHOULD DISPOSE IT AND GET A NEW ONE.
>> SKATEBOARDS, I BELIEVE IT'S TRY FOR THE OTHER BILL AS WELL.
DESIGNED TO PROTECT FOR HEADS TRAUMA.
THERE ARE REQUIREMENTS IN THE SKATEBOARD ONE.
>> THERE'S SAFETY STIGGERS THAT TELL YOU.
IF YOU'RE WEARING IT IN AN ACCIDENT, HERE'S THE PARAMETERS FOR THIS HELMET.
>> Daryl: IN TERMS OF WHEN I'M RIDING MY BICYCLE, I GO 30, 35 MILES AN HOUR SOMETIMES ON MY BICYCLE.
>> YOUR BICYCLE IS FASTER THAN A MOPED.
MOPEDS ARE ABOUT 30 MILES AN HOUR.
BICYCLE IS FAST,.
>> Daryl: I THINK IT IS.
IT'S A ROAD BIKE.
IS THE SPEED OF A MOPED -- WE'RE TALKING ABOUT LEGAL MOPED.
PUBLIC DOES GET THEM MIXED UP.
THEY SEE PEOPLE ZIPPING BY ON ILLEGAL MOPEDS.
>> SCOOTERS TOO.
>> YOU LIKE TO BRING UP THE ILLEGAL MOPED THICK A NUMBER -- THING A NUMBER OF TIMES, DARYL.
>> THERE'S IN ISSUES LIKE DIRT BIKES.
I CONSIDER THEM MORE DEADLY BECAUSE YOU CAN'T HEAR THEM COMING.
I'D RATHER BE ANNOYED.
IF THERE'S A CHOICE OF LESSER OF TWO EVILS, I WOULD RATHER PICK A LOUD MOPED THAT I KNOW IS COMING.
MOPEDS HAVE LICENSING EVEN IN THE OLD DAYS.
DIRT BIKES HAVE KNOCKS.
THEY DON'T HAVE ANY REGISTRATION REGISTRATION.
ONLY GOOD THING IS MOPED RIDERS ARE LEAVING THE MOPED SCENE AND JUMPING ON NO E-BIKES.
WE'RE GETTING RID OF THIS OUTLAW L OUTLAW.
ELEMENT.
I THINK WE'VE DONE A GOOD JOB.
WILL WE GET RID OF THEM COMPLETELY?
NO.
WILL THEY WAKE YOU SOMETIMES?
PROBABLY.
IT'S BETTER TO KNOW THEY'RE THERE.
>> Daryl: I THINK THAT'S A FAIR POINT.
DON'T MEAN TO SOUND LIKE I'M ARGUING WITH YOU.
I'M TRYING TO REFLECT WHAT I THINK IS A PUBLIC PERCEPTION, AND WHEN IT COMES TO THE VEHICLES WE'RE TALKING ABOUT, IT'S IMPORTANT TO MAKE DISTINCTIONS.
>> I THINK THERE'S A LOT 6 PEOPLE WHO DON'T MAKE DISTINCTIONS.
AND SOME ARE VERY UNDERSTANDABLE BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT ALL THAT DIFFERENT JUST LOOKING AT THEM.
ONE REASON THE E-BIKE BILL WAS DETAILED.
MY UNDERSTANDING, IT WASN'T WRITTEN CAREFULLY ENOUGH TO EXCLUDE SOMETHING THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN.
AA LOT OF PEOPLE BLAME MOPEDS.
>> THEY'RE AUTOMATIC MOTORCYCLES.
LOOK AT THE LICENSE, IF IT'S WHITE, IT'S A MOTORCYCLE OR SCOOTER.
IF IT'S YELLOW, IT'S A MOPED.
MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THAT.
>> Daryl: FOR THE PURPOSE OF OUR DISCUSSION AND TRYING TO WRITE LEGISLATION, YOU HAVE TO MAKE THESE DISTINCTIONS.
>> AND EVERY YEAR SOMEBODY COMES UP WITH A NEW GADGET.
I'VE SEEN GUYS GO DOWN BERETANIA ON MOTORIZED UNICYCLES.
>> Daryl: SUPER FAST.
AND THERE'S THE TWO WHEELED SCOOTERS THAT ARE ELECTRIC AND GO SUPER FAST.
AT SOME POINT, DOW YET THINK YOU HAVE TO SAY SOMETHING THAT CAN GO X SPEED SHOULD REQUIRE A HELMET.
>> IT WOULD BE FOR EVERYBODY DEALING WITH IT.
>> YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT WHY SHOULD MOPEDS BE IN LIKE LANES?
YOU HAVE TO HAVE A DRIVER'S LICENSE.
OKAY.
YOU HAVE TO HAVE TRAINING.
YOU HAVE TO HAVE A REGULAR REGID MOTORCYCLE.
THAT'S MORE REQUIREMENTS THAN A BICYCLE.
IF YOU'RE RIDING A ELECTRIC SCOOTER, WHICH A LOT GO INTO THE BIKE LANES.
ANYBODY CAN JUMP ON ONE OF THOSE THINGS.
YOU HAVE TWO DIFFERENT CLASSES.
ONE CLASS WHO HAVE LEGAL BUDDENS ON THEM ALREADY THAT REQUIRE THAT THEY ABIDE TO THE LAW IN ORDER TO BE PART OF THE ROADSIDE COMMUNITY.
THERE'S A HUGE MARKET JUMPING IN UNREGULATED.
I THINK THAT -- >> THEY'RE STILL REQUIRED TO OBEY THE LAW.
>> THEY DON'T HAVE THANK BASELINE 1307B89D.
>> I SEE BICYCLES THAT AREN'T LICENSED DRIVING AT NIGHT -- >> Daryl: E-BICYCLES?
>> THAT'S CRAZY.
WHETHER THEY HAVE A LICENSE OR NOT.
>> Daryl: GO AHEAD.
>> TO YOUR POINT, TO ME -- AND I WILL SAY THIS AS A TRAUMA NURSE.
I THINK WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE SCIENCE AND PHILOSOPHY.
THE HUMAN BODY, OVER A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF SPEED, CAN CANNOT SUS.
DO I KNOW WHAT THAT NUMBER IS?
NO.
I THINK THERE'S A WAY IT CAN BE MORE UNIVERSE THE IN REGARDS TO HELMETS.
MUCH TO ROBERTS A POINT, ONE GROUP, ONE POPULATION IS SIGNALED OUT TO.
IT MAKES MORE LOGIC TO SAY IF YOUR VEHICLE CAN GO OVER X AMOUNT OF SPEED, YOU'RE AT HIGHER RISK CAUSING HARM TO NOT ONLY YOURSELF BUT OTHERS.
I'VE SEEN THEM ALMOST COLLIDE WITH PEOPLE.
SWAMPING AROUND THE SIDEWALK.
>> I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH GARRETT.
MY STATISTICS FROM DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, NUMBER OF DEATHS FROM HOUSINGS -- MOTORCYCLES THN MOPEDS.
MOPED PEOPLE HAVE TO WEAR HELMETS, MOTORCYCLE PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE TO.
>> Daryl: I THINK MR. SATO, THIS IS A VIEWER, NATHAN.
HE MAKES A GOOD POINT OF OVERREACH.
STATE SHOULD HAVE MANDATORY SAFETY CLASSES WITHIN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM ON PUBLIC ROADS AND VEHICLES ETH VEHICLES ETH ELSE.
-- WE HAVEN'T TALKED ABOUT THE ROLE OF PARENTS.
I'VE SEEN KIDS ON ELECTRIC BIB BIKES GOING VERY FAST.
I DON'T MEAN TO BE ACCUSING YOU OF DOING ANYTHING WRONG.
I'M SAYING THERE ARE CLASSES WITH RIDERS ALONG WITH CLASSES OF VEHICLES THAT SHOULD NOT BE DOING WHAT THEY'RE DOING.
THIS IDEA ABOUT LOOK AT THE SPEED THEY'RE CAPE JABLE OF AND REGULATE IT BASED ON THAT.
FROM YOUR EXPERTISE -- >> I BROUGHT IT UP EARLIER MY CLASS OF PEOPLE ARE LICENSED DRIVERS.
YOU HAVE TO HAVE A DRIVER'S LICENSE.
A LOT OF PEOPLE MAY HAVE THIS MISCONSTRUED IDEA YOU DON'T NEED A LICENSE TO DRIVE A MOPED.
MOPEDDED ARE A PATCHWORK OF DIFFERENT STADES IN DIFFERENT STATES.
HAWAI'I'S STANDARD, YOU NEED A DRIVER'S LICENSE AND YOU YOU NEO BY A CERTAIN AGE AND PAST THE DRIVER'S LICENSE'S TEST.
WAY DIFFERENT FROM E-BICYCLES.
I BELIEVE THERE ARE THREE CLASSES?
>> I DON'T REMEMBER.
IT WAS A VERY CONFUSING BILL.
>> THEY'RE TRYING TO MAKE IT CERTAIN CLASSES OF EBICYCLES YOU DON'T NEED A LICENSE.
ONE HAS REGISTERED LEGAL PASS.
AND ANOTHER GROUP UNREGULATED.
>> Daryl: MAYBE THIS IS A DUMB QUESTION.
WHAT'S THE RULE FOR BICYCLES AND HELMETS?
IF YOU'RE A KID YOU HAVE TO WEAR ONE.
>> 18 OR 21?
CAN SOMEBODY GOOGLE THAT?
>> Daryl: ROBERT WAS SAYING I CAN GO 40 MILES AN HOUR ON MY BABY -- BICYCLE AND I DON'T HAVE TO WEAR A HELMET.
>> WHEN I WAS GROWING UP AND A RODE A BIKE ALL OVER THE PLACE.
NO ONE KNEW WHAT A BIKE HELMET WAS.
>> Daryl:U DATING YOURSELF.
>> TOTALLY.
I CAME OF AGE IN 1989.
>> Daryl: I'D LIKE GARRETT TO DO.
YOU ARE THE PERSON THAT HAD YOUR HANDS ON PEOPLE WHO HAVE SUFFERED THESE INJURIES.
WHAT'S IT LIKE FOR THEM, FOR THEIR FAMILIES AND FOR YOU?
>> AS A TRAUMA NURSE AND HAVING LIVED THIS EXPERIENCE, AND HAVING TO CARE FOR CHILDREN THAT COMING INTO THE EMERGENCY ROOM OR EVEN ADULTS, IT TAKES A TOLL.
YOU HAVE TO LEARN AS AN INDIVIDUAL, AS A NURSE YOU HAVE TO LEARN HOW TO BE ABLE TO HANDLE THESE THINGS AND SEEK HELP.
BIGGER THING IS THE FAMILY MEMBERS RESPECT PREPARED.
I SEE A TREMENDOUS -- ESPECIALLY WHEN IT PUNT TO CHILDREN, A TREMG DUS AMOUNT OF GUILT, SHAME AND THEY THOUGHT THEY WERE BUYING THEIR KID OR YOUNG CHILD A TOY TO ENTERTAIN THEMSELVES OR MODE THAT WAS TO BE FUN.
YOU -- NOW THEY HAVE A CHILD THAT'S BRAIN DEAD.
THESE THINGS HAPPEN.
I'VE SEEN THIS HAPPEN.
IT CHANGES THE WHOLE FAMILY'S LIFE.
IT CHANGES PEOPLE'S FUTURE.
A SIMPLE THING IS, WE AGREE IT'S IMPORTANT.
ACROSS THE BOARD, YOU KNOW 23 YOU HAVE A HELMET, YOU'RE 88% LESS LIKELY TO BE IN THAT SITUATION.
OUR BRAIN IS -- WITH BRAIN INJURY, RECOVERY, WE DON'T KNOW SOME OF THE OUTCOMES THAT COMING FROM BRAIN INJURY.
DO WHAT'S BEST FOR YOURSELF AND WEARS A HELMET.
>> Daryl: THANK YOU SO MUCH.
THAT HAS TO WRAP US UP.
>> MAHALO TO YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT, AND WE THANK OUR GUESTS: SENATOR KARL RHOADS AND GARRETT HALL, THE STATE TRAUMA PROGRAM MANAGER, AND OWNER OF MOPED DOCTORS ROBERT SATO.
NEXT WEEK ON INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAI'I, WE EXAMINE THE NEXT STEPS FOR HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS.
AFTER RECEIVING A LARGE BUMP IN FUNDING, HAS DHHL MADE ANY PROGRESS IN GETTING PEOPLE OFF THE WAITING LIST INTO HOMES?
JOIN THE CONVERSATION NEXT WEEK.
FOR INSIGHTS ON PBS HAWAII, I'M DARYL HUFF.
ALOHA.

- News and Public Affairs

Top journalists deliver compelling original analysis of the hour's headlines.

- News and Public Affairs

FRONTLINE is investigative journalism that questions, explains and changes our world.












Support for PBS provided by:
Insights on PBS Hawaiʻi is a local public television program presented by PBS Hawai'i