Committee amends taxi regulation bill, advances CD1 for public hearing

City Council Member Arianna Tupola introduced and the Infrastructure, Transportation and Technology Committee on Sept. 24 amended a council bill that revises taxi regulations, removes references to digital dispatch companies and modifies fare‑establishment language.

Tupola read a verbal amendment adding a five‑year review requirement: the director of Customer Services would report back to the council with recommendations regarding repeal, modification or extension of the relevant chapter within five years of the ordinance’s effective date. Director Bernadette Hashiro of the Department of Customer Services told the committee that CSD and industry stakeholders had discussed the language and that stakeholders supported the CD1 with the reported amendments.

Ryan Naka, a testifier representing taxi drivers, said the bill “gives our taxi drivers the chance to compete fairly” and would help legacy local companies. “By leveling the playing field, this bill gives our taxi drivers the chance to compete fairly, revitalize their industry, and continue providing the critical service our community depends on,” Naka said.

The committee amended Bill 40 (2025) to the posted CD1 (OCS 2025‑0677) with the verbal five‑year evaluation amendment and reported it out for passage on second reading and scheduling of a public hearing. The committee recorded no roll‑call vote in the transcript excerpt provided.