Hawaii Senate Bill SR195

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22

Caption

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To More Vigorously Enforce Existing Trespass Laws.

Impact

The resolution calls for a cooperative effort between the Honolulu Police Department and the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney to address community concerns related to trespassing effectively. It specifies a multi-faceted approach, which includes public outreach campaigns aimed at understanding community obstacles in enforcing trespass laws, as well as town hall meetings to facilitate direct communication between residents and law enforcement. This initiative is designed to empower residents and involve them in discussions regarding trespassing and associated enforcement challenges.

Summary

Senate Resolution 195 urges the City and County of Honolulu to enhance the enforcement of existing trespass laws. The resolution highlights the importance of protecting property rights as outlined in the Hawaii Revised Statutes, emphasizing that effective enforcement of these laws is crucial for the safety and well-being of individuals with legal access to both public and private properties. It recognizes the detrimental effects on community safety caused by inadequate enforcement of trespass laws, particularly in areas like North Shore where incidents have raised concerns among residents.

Contention

A key aspect of SR195 is its consideration of Native Hawaiian rights, ensuring that enhanced law enforcement does not infringe upon these rights applicable to beach access and other cultural practices. The resolution explicitly acknowledges the balance needed between enforcing trespass laws and respecting cultural access rights, raising the potential for both support and contention within the community. While some may see the resolution as a necessary step toward improving safety, others may be concerned about increased policing and potential impacts on cultural practices in the area.