Hawaii Senate Bill SCR235

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Law Enforcement To Establish, In Collaboration With The City And County Of Honolulu, Fair Policies And Processes For Towing And Disposing Of Vehicles That Belong To Active Duty Servicemembers And That Are Abandoned On State Or City Property.

Impact

The proposed measure aims to establish guidelines that will balance the rights of deployed servicemembers with those of other residents whose daily lives may be disrupted by abandoned vehicles. By mandating the Department of Law Enforcement to collaborate with the City and County of Honolulu in developing these policies, the resolution seeks to ensure that servicemembers receive adequate notice if their vehicles are towed. This provision is crucial in protecting servicemembers' rights and ensuring they are informed while they fulfill their duties away from home.

Summary

SCR235 is a legislative resolution that addresses the issue of abandoned vehicles belonging to active duty servicemembers in the state of Hawaii. These servicemembers often deploy for extended periods and leave their vehicles parked on state or city property, leading to potential safety concerns and parking issues for local residents. The resolution highlights the importance of creating fair and consistent policies regarding the towing and disposal of these abandoned vehicles, in compliance with federal regulations such as the Servicemember Civil Relief Act.

Contention

While SCR235 is framed as a protective measure for servicemembers, it also highlights the potential for contention. Some local residents may view the presence of abandoned vehicles as a nuisance and may need immediate action taken against them without delays that comply with federal laws. The resolution underscores the delicate balance that needs to be maintained between addressing community safety concerns and respecting the restrictions imposed by federal law, thereby inviting discussions on the appropriate processes and timelines for towing abandoned vehicles.