HONOLULU — Drivers who are repeatedly caught operating a motorized vehicle without a license could face up to five years in prison under a new measure that passed the state House of Representatives on Thursday and is headed to the governor for final approval.

What You Need To Know

  • Under the bill, a third conviction within five years would count as a Class C felony, carrying a maximum term of five years in prison

  • House Speaker Scott Saiki introduced the bill after McKinley High School student Sara Yara was struck and killed by a vehicle operated by a man who had been stopped 12 times over a five-year period for driving without a license

  • Under the current law, offenders can be repeatedly convicted of driving without a license without any escalation in the severity of the charges

  • Honolulu prosecutor Steve Alm testified earlier that the bill would "contribute significantly to making our roads and highways safer"

House Bill 2526 (House Draft 2, Senate Draft 1) increases the statutory penalties for repeat offenders who drive without a license or drive while on a suspended license. Under the bill, a third conviction within five years would count as a Class C felony, carrying a maximum term of five years in prison. 

The measure passed on a 47-3 vote.

House Speaker Scott Saiki introduced the bill after McKinley High School student Sara Yara was struck and killed by a vehicle operated by a man who had been stopped 12 times over a five-year period for driving without a license. Mitchel Miyashiro, whose record includes 164 traffic citations, is awaiting trial for negligent homicide, collisions involving death or serious bodily injury and driving without a license.

 “In working closely with the school and community, we have made strides in improving traffic safety through the installation of speed humps and a red light camera in high pedestrian and vehicle zones,” said House Speaker Scott Saiki, who introduced the measure. “The focus now shifts towards reforming the legal process for habitual traffic offenders. Stronger penalties could prevent future tragedies from occurring.”

Under the current law, offenders can be repeatedly convicted of driving without a license without any escalation in the severity of the charges. Under HB 2526, courts would not be allowed to discharge a DWOL case with a simple fine and penalties would increase.

A first conviction could result in a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 30 days in prison. A second conviction for the same charge within five years could result a fine of $500 to $1,000 and/or one year imprisonment. A third conviction within five years would increase the offense from a misdemeanor to a Class-C felony and carry penalties of up to five years in prison and forfeiture of the vehicle involved in the offense.

Honolulu prosecutor Steve Alm testified earlier that the bill would “contribute significantly to making our roads and highways safer.”

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.