HONOLULU, HI -- (MARKET WIRE) -- April 23, 2007 --Motorists would get 24-hour, 7-days-a-week
access to information needed to replace high-tech, electronic vehicle keys
when they have been stolen, damaged, or lost under a bill supported by AAA
Hawaii.
Senate Bill 1011 has been approved by the Senate and House of
Representatives and is being considered by a joint conference committee to
make any final bill changes. The bill requires setting up a safe, secure
and convenient option for consumers to obtain replacement keys through
pre-approved and registered locksmiths. The registered locksmiths will be
able to securely obtain electronic code information to reproduce many of
today's high-tech vehicle keys.
"Vehicles today come equipped with high-tech, electronic keys designed to
prevent auto theft," said Richard Velazquez, AAA Hawaii's regional manager.
"However, motorists who have their keys stolen, damaged, or lost often face
long delays, inconvenience, added risk, and significantly more expense in
replacing keys because locksmiths and other car repair facilities cannot
obtain the coded information from car manufacturers needed to reproduce
electronic keys."
Thousands of Hawaii motorists are stranded each year without a functioning
vehicle key because consumers don't have the information needed to
replicate the keys -- information that could easily and safely be provided
in a secure manner that would allow pre-approved and registered locksmiths
to quickly and more affordably make a new key.
Many Hawaii motorists and visitors now endure long waits, great expenses
and risk their personal safety while locksmiths tear apart steering columns
or car doors to obtain needed key information. Other times, vehicles must
be towed to car dealers and drivers forced to wait hours, days or even
longer to get a replacement key and get back on the road again.
"AAA Hawaii believes that when a motorist buys a vehicle, he or she also
buys everything needed to operate it, including all the information
necessary to make a replacement key," Velazquez said. "An auto manufacturer
should be able to provide vehicle owners with a secure and contemporary way
to obtain this information when and where owners need a replacement key."
In addition to AAA Hawaii, supporters of SB 1011 include consumer groups,
insurers, the visitor industry and motorists -- who sent their elected
officials more than 1,200 letters asking the Legislature and Governor to
approve the bill.
"Greater vehicle security is an asset for consumers, but security
improvement should not come at the expense of placing motorists in an
unsafe situation or forcing them to wait hours or days or pay unnecessarily
high prices to obtain replacement keys," said Velazquez. "SB 1011 will
provide an up-to-date option for consumers who need a way to get
replacement keys."
SB 1011 is similar to a new law in California that requires vehicle
manufacturers to make this information available to pre-approved and
registered locksmiths starting in 2008. This same option and protections
should be provided to Hawaii consumers, said Velazquez.
AAA Hawaii has served members since 1921. Today, AAA Hawaii provides
services to its members that include roadside assistance, maps,
international and domestic travel planning and reservations; pedestrian and
traffic safety programs; automotive pricing, financial services, including
consumer loans, deposit accounts and credit cards. Information about these
products and services is available on AAA Hawaii's web site at www.AAA.com.
Contact Information: Contact:
Richard Velazquez
(808) 593-2221
Robert Toyofuku
(808) 524-4155