Senate panel to vote on
proposed Segway rules

The transport device has potential
for those with mobility trouble,
some lawmakers say

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By Pat Omandam
pomandam@starbulletin.com

State Sen. Cal Kawamoto sees a day when his health may require him to use a Segway Human Transporter to take him places his legs can't.

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If that day ever comes, Kawamoto said, he won't hesitate to use the two-wheeled personal device, which uses a computerized stabilization system to keep the operator balanced at all times.

"Basically, we're saying this is an extension of the wheelchair," said Kawamoto (D, Waipahu).

The Senate Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee is expected to vote tomorrow on Senate Bill 1051, introduced by Kawamoto and which allows operation of the device on sidewalks or bike paths at a maximum speed of 8 mph. If approved, the bill goes before the full Senate for a vote next week.

Other proposed rules require the operator to be age 16 or older, an audible signal be given before overtaking a pedestrian, and reflectors and a head lamp for night use.

The Segway, which resembles a souped-up push lawnmower, can travel up to 17 miles on a single electrical charge. Its top speed is 12.5 mph, which can be lowered.

The Segway is being marketed for urban professionals requiring short-distance travel, but it has also generated a lot of interest from senior citizens.

This is the second year Matt Dailida, Segway government affairs director, has lobbied the Legislature to enact rules for the device. A similar bill passed the state Senate but stalled in the House Finance Committee in March 2002.

Since then, Dailida said, 33 states have adopted legislation that defines this new personal transportation technology. Nine other states, including Hawaii, are considering rules for it this year.

So far, the Ko Olina Resort is the only local company that has bought Segways, although the Honolulu Police Department has expressed interest in testing it for use in Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, he said.

During a demonstration yesterday, legislators tested the Segway in the state Capitol courtyard. State Rep. Jerry Chang (D, South Hilo-Keaukaha) said its operation "is easier than I thought," while Rep. Barbara Marumoto (R, Waialae Iki) sees how it can help people with mobility problems.

"It's a lot of fun," she said.

Nevertheless, state Department of Transportation officials have opposed the bill, saying the Segway is similar to bicycles and poses a threat to pedestrian safety.

State Sen. Bob Hogue (R, Kaneohe-Kailua), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the Segway may not be a problem for major bike paths or some sidewalks, but it could be on narrow or unimproved roadways.

Dailida assured legislators that prospective owners must complete training on the device's operation and maintenance before the keys are handed over.

Dailida won't disclose how many Segways have been sold nationwide, but he said the device has logged more than 100,000 hours of sidewalk use in many U.S. cities with no pedestrian injuries.