REP PCPWMT 006 2025-09-16 2024-2026

Home

REPORT OF THE POLICY COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND MASS TRANSIT DATE: September 16, 2025 Re: Comm. No. 481Bill No. 82 PLACE: Council Chambers Kailua-Kona, Hawaii TIME: 9:00 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit, to which was referred Bill No. 82, reports as follows: Bill No. 82, transmitted by Council Chairperson Dr. Holeka Goro Inaba, via Communication No. 481, dated August 18, 2025, amends Chapter 24, Article 9, of the Hawaii County Code 1983 (2016 Edition, as amended), relating to pedestrians. Bill 82 prohibits pedestrians from entering a roadway, obstructing traffic, or approaching moving vehicles for business and employment purposes. Council Chairperson Inaba stated that he worked on this bill in collaboration with Deputy Corporation Counsel (DCC) Dakota "Cody" Frenz and the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii. The bill accounts for concerns raised in a previous bill that was vetoed by the Mayor. DCC Frenz was available to answer questions from Council Members. Committee Member Onishi raised questions regarding enforceability along intersecting State roadways. DCC Frenz stated that Hawaii Police Department may enforce the bill if State law does not preclude doing so. Based on her research, State law does not prohibit enforcement. Committee Member Onishi also asked about enforcement by State Department of Law Enforcement. DCC Frenz stated that State sheriffs can enforce County traffic ordinances, but primary enforcement resides with Hawaii Police Department. Committee Member Kagiwada expressed her appreciation for the maker of the bill working with Corporation Counsel to ensure public access to transportation and the protection of constitutional rights. Committee Member Villegas expressed her appreciation that the bill ensures the public's health and safety along our roadways. PCPWMT Report No. 6