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REPORT OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE <br />ON PUBLIC WORKS AND MASS TRANSIT <br />DATE: June 3, 2025 Re: Comm. No, 3031Bill No. 59 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 10:44 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Your Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit, to which was referred Bill No. 59, <br />reports as follows. <br />Bill No. 59, introduced by Committee Member Holeka Goro Inaba, via Communication No. 303, <br />dated May 14, 2025, amends Chapter 24, Article 9, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 <br />Edition, as amended), relating to pedestrians. <br />The bill prohibits receiving, soliciting, delivering, or offering goods or services while in a street; <br />provides penalties. <br />Hawaii Police Department Major Jeremie Evangelista and Deputy Corporation Counsel <br />Dakota "Cody" Frenz were available in the Hilo Chambers to respond to questions. <br />Mr. Inaba introduced the bill to improve street safety by expanding the Code restrictions on <br />soliciting, delivering, or exchanging goods or services near roadways. <br />Mr. Evangelista stated that the bill helps deter illegal business activity on roadways and provides <br />enforceable measures for the Police Department. Ms. Frenz clarified that the bill does not <br />prohibit the activity outright but rather aims to protect pedestrians and reduce potential roadway <br />safety risks. <br />Committee Member Heather Kimball requested clarification on terms such as "roadway," <br />"street," and "legally parked vehicles," and asked about the bill's impact on donation recipients. <br />She supported the community service element. Mr. Inaba and Ms. Frenz confirmed these terms <br />align with Chapter 24, and Corporation Counsel can review the community service hour <br />valuation. <br />Committee Member Dennis Onishi asked about the impact on juvenile roadside groups. <br />Mr. Evangelista explained enforcement is complaint -driven or self -initiated, with on -site <br />citations, and noted an adult must be present when minors are involved. <br />Committee Member Jennifer Kagiwada raised concerns about citation fairness, referencing food <br />distribution and protest activity. Mr. Evangelista said officers have discretion, and Ms. Frenz <br />noted the Police Chief can also direct enforcement. <br />PCPWMT Report No. 4 <br />