The proposed changes will amend Section 708-829 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which outlines the penalties for criminal littering. Under the new provisions, individuals convicted of littering will face not only increased fines but also mandatory community service. Specifically, first-time offenders will have to complete four hours of service, while repeat offenders will have to complete eight hours. This approach combines a monetary penalty with civic responsibility, reinforcing the message that littering is not just a legal violation but also a communal nuisance that requires remediation.
Summary
House Bill 1099 addresses the issue of littering in Hawaii, emphasizing the adverse effects of waste on the state's natural beauty and its reputation as a tourist destination. The bill recognizes that the current penalties for littering are inadequate in deterring this behavior among residents and visitors alike. To mitigate this problem, the bill proposes an increase in the maximum fine for the offense of criminal littering from $1,000 to $2,000. This amendment is aimed at creating a more substantial disincentive to engage in littering activities.
Contention
While the intention of HB 1099 is to improve environmental conditions, notable points of contention may arise regarding the enforceability of the new penalties and the allocation of community service tasks. Questions could be raised about whether increased fines would effectively deter littering behavior or disproportionately impact lower-income individuals who may struggle to pay such fines. Moreover, there may be concerns voiced by community organizations regarding how community service opportunities will be structured and the effectiveness of these measures in fostering long-term behavioral change among offenders.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.