Law & Order

Hawaii Bill to Severely Restrict Aftermarket Car Audio Equipment Deferred Indefinitely

SEMA-opposed legislation to ban the installation, ownership or use of any car with aftermarket speakers more than 6.5 inches in height or depth, any five-speaker aftermarket system, any aftermarket speaker more than 100 watts and any aftermarket speaker installed external to the passenger compartment or in an open hatchback will not be considered in the Hawaii legislature this year.

The measure was discriminatory toward aftermarket products, as it did not seek to limit systems installed by the original vehicle manufacturer or dealer. If enacted, the bill would have denied hobbyists the opportunity to purchase and install a range of aftermarket alternatives to original-equipment stereos. Following a hearing on the bill in the House Transportation Committee, the measure was deferred.

For details, please contact Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.