Mayor Kirk Caldwell has signed Bill 7 (2013) into law. The bill allows the city to immediately remove tents and other objects deemed to be a “sidewalk nuisance”. The items would then be stored by the city, and owners of the items would have to pay a recovery fee to pick them up. Previously the law stated that the city had to “tag” an item for 24 hours before they were allowed to remove it. Caldwell, stated that by signing the measure it ensures “that we keep our public spaces open and available for everyone in our community. No one person has a right to take over part of public space, whether it be a business, a private citizen or anyone else. It’s a matter of public safety and improving the quality of life in the most beautiful place in the world.”. The law will start being enforced on June 30, 2013
Opponents of the new law argue that it targets the homeless and is unconstitutional. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii stated that they will be reviewing the law and may decide to challenge the law in court.
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 4-20-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
www.myhawaiihomesearch.com
www.myhawaiicondo.com
www.myhawaiidreamhome.com
