HI HB277

Amends Section 431:10C-117, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to increase fines for motor vehicle insurance violations, with specific dollar amounts to be determined by the legislature (replacing current $100-$5,000 range).

Sets mandatory minimum fines of a specified amount for first offense of driving without insurance and a higher minimum for subsequent offenses within five years, with court discretion to suspend fines if defendant provides proof of current insurance.

Allows defendants to petition the court for fine reduction or waiver if nonpayment is not willful, requiring individualized assessment of ability to pay.

Provides affirmative defenses for operators of vehicles owned by others if their own insurance covers the driving, employer-owned vehicles during employment, or borrowed vehicles when the operator reasonably believed the vehicle was insured.

Establishes additional penalties for multiple convictions within five years, including imprisonment up to 30 days, suspension or revocation of vehicle registration plates, and impoundment or sale of the vehicle.