About HMDA

HMDA History. HMDA was created in 1988 in response to the insurance crisis that was having a serious effect on our industry: customers were effectively unable to purchase insurance because of the way the Hawaii no-fault law was set up.

Premiums, particularly on sport bikes, were equivalent to the purchase price of the bike and most agents simply were not motivated to sell no-fault to motorcyclists. This crisis provided the perfect impetus for us to band together and address the issue. We began meeting in the offices of a sympathetic Honolulu attorney who assisted the group in drafting its by-laws and articles, and establishing its non-profit status.

We have both Active and Associate members. Active members are generally the authorized dealers of motorcycles and our Associate members represent the aftermarket and servicing businesses. Associate members can, upon Board approval, become provisional active members and participate as full, voting Board members. Related industries, such as insurance companies, are also members of our Association. We have retained a lobbyist when particularly critical issues have been in front of the legislature.

HMDA Officers and staff:

Don Fern - President
c/o Cycle City - dfern@cyclecityltd.com

Mark Ely - Vice President
c/o South Seas Honda - ely_mark31@hotmail.com

Red Proctor - Treasurer
c/o Thor Motors - (no email)

Mark Morrison - Secretary
c/o Omega Pacific - morrisonm002@hawaii.rr.com

Gail Caveney - HMDA Executive Secretary
c/o Windward Connection - windcon@hawaii.rr.com

Most of Hawaii's motorcycle dealers as well as many secondary shops are members of HMDA. Our unified voice succeeded in changing the insurance environment to where coverage is both affordable and available. Rider training provides an opportunity for Hawaii's riders to realize additional savings on premiums and we support and endorse an ongoing educational program provided by the University of Hawaii Employment Training Office as well as all branches of the military services in the State.

As part of Hawaii's motor vehicle industry, the State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs regulates us all. We continue to function as the "eyes and ears" of the Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Board and the Regulated Industries Complaints Office and have assisted those offices with enforcing licensing laws. Additionally, our members have assisted local law enforcement agencies in investigating fraudulent activity.

Another important role that the Association plays is encouraging the public to patronize local businesses. To this end, HMDA is active in the legislative arena to insure that our industry's voice is heard with regards to proposed laws that might impact our members. While most of our efforts are industry-specific, we also monitor general business-related issues such as taxation and government regulation.

Hawaii's motorcycling industry is as diverse and dynamic as the State's population. There is a long local history of both on- and off-road riding which, given the favorable year-round environment, is not at all surprising! Each island has its own particular flavor: the Big Island of Hawaii has hundreds of miles of open highway and is home to many street bikers; Oahu, Hawaii's most urbanized island, has thousands of motorcycling commuters, Kauai has a long and proud tradition of off-road riding and Maui has an emerging off-road community as well.

Hawaii is a special place in which to live and work. HMDA welcomes all current and prospective motorcyclists to enjoy this web site and encourages all visitors to and residents of Hawaii to visit their local retailer for the best in products, prices and service!