HI HB1978

Requires towing companies in counties with populations greater than 500,000 to operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week and offer vehicle release services.

Mandates towing companies maintain minimum insurance coverage of $500,000 bodily injury, $200,000 property damage, $175,000 on-hook coverage, or $1,000,000 combined single limit liability.

Permits payment for towing and storage fees via cash, debit card, credit card, insurance company check, or commercial check from licensed towing companies.

Establishes release of vehicles and payment methods for consensual towing services under Hawaii's Statewide Traffic Code.

Takes effect upon approval rather than January 1, 2011.