Relating To Freshwater Waterways.
If enacted, HB 536 will amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes to establish definitive restrictions on residing near freshwater waterways. The legislation empowers law enforcement, including county police and the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources, to issue orders for individuals to vacate these areas without prior notice. While the bill includes provisions to facilitate the relocation of personal property, it eliminates the possibility of future retrieval if the property is removed, raising concerns about the rights of affected individuals, particularly those experiencing homelessness.
House Bill 536 addresses the growing concerns surrounding the interaction between human habitation and freshwater waterways in Hawaii. The bill aims to protect both Hawaii's natural environment and public safety by prohibiting individuals from residing in, on, or within fifty feet of freshwater waterways. The legislature identified that encampments near these areas not only pose risks to human life but also contribute to environmental pollution due to human-made waste. By formalizing this prohibition, the bill seeks to mitigate these hazards and promote better management of Hawaii's water resources.
The legislative discussions surrounding HB 536 likely involve significant points of contention, particularly regarding the balance between environmental protection, public safety, and individual rights. Advocates for the bill argue that the ecological integrity of Hawaii’s waterways is at risk and that action is necessary to preserve natural habitats. Critics, however, may express concerns over the treatment of homeless individuals, arguing that the bill does not provide viable alternatives or support systems for those displaced as a result of the legislation. The requirement for law enforcement to contact agencies aiding homeless individuals before enforcement may not be seen as sufficient to address these humanitarian concerns.