HI SB926

Adds a new section to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 291C establishing a "Freedom to Walk" provision that allows pedestrians to act contrary to traffic code without penalties if a reasonably careful pedestrian would determine there is no immediate danger of collision with a moving vehicle.

Prohibits law enforcement from stopping, fining, or penalizing pedestrians for traffic violations when the absence of oncoming vehicles makes crossing reasonably safe, even if traffic signals or markings prohibit crossing.

Maintains that pedestrians retain a duty to use due care for their own safety and the safety of others, and does not relieve drivers of their duty to exercise due care for pedestrians.

Cites California's 2022 Freedom to Walk Act as a model and notes disproportionate impacts of pedestrian fines on people who rely on walking as primary transportation.

Effective date: June 30, 3000.