SB30 amends the Hawaii Revised Statutes to require all operators and passengers of motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds to wear safety helmets. This bill eliminates exemptions for individuals over 18 and imposes fines for non-compliance.

The Hawaii Senate passed SB30 on April 30, 2025 by a vote of 22 to 3. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation infringes on individual liberty and expands government overreach. By mandating helmet use and enforcing penalties, SB30 undermines the right of individuals to make voluntary decisions about their own safety. State governments must respect individual autonomy and avoid coercive mandates that restrict personal choice. Furthermore, aligning state law with federal Department of Transportation NHTSA “universal” helmet requirements erodes Hawaii’s state authority and invites additional federal oversight and mandates.