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<br /> Councilmember Hoffmann read the Honolulu Advertiser article that accompanied the <br /> <br /> proposed bill and he noted that the City and County of Honolulu is working on <br /> <br /> panhandling legislation that was modeled after existing legislation in other jurisdictions <br /> across the United States. He suggested that Councilmember Naeole and her staff need to <br /> be careful about how the legislation is phrased so that it is enforceable. He would like to <br /> <br /> hear from police regarding the subject. <br /> Councilmember J Yoshimoto, of South Hilo, said Councilmember Jacobson brought up a <br /> valid point regarding constitutionality and free speech. He suggested that if the intent is <br /> to define panhandling in terms of "aggressive panhandling," then a revision is in order. <br /> He said he will support the bill, because the intent is good. He noted that the City and <br /> County of Honolulu is in the process of passing a ban on aggressive panhandling. <br /> Councilmember. Jacobson noted that among legislation the City and County of Honolulu <br /> modeled their legislation after comes from Minneapolis, where he is from. He conceded <br /> that there is a lot of begging on freeway ramps there. He understands the desire to clean <br /> up the streets of Pahoa. He maintains that the way the current County Code reads is <br /> unconstitutional. <br /> Councilmember Naeole said she is willing "to massage this baby" to make it work. Her <br /> business people in Pahoa really need help, and they need this panhandling legislation in <br /> advance of bringing in tourists on a regular basis to watch hula performances, dine and <br /> shop. <br /> Council Chairman Hoffmann said that if indeed the City and County of Honolulu is in the <br /> process of approving panhandling legislation, perhaps this bill revised to model that one. <br /> Your Committee on Human Services and Economic Development is in accord with the <br /> purpose and intent of Bill No. 218, and recommends it pass first reading. Mr. Jacobson <br /> was the sole dissenter. Councilmember Stacy Higa, of Hilo, and Councilmember <br /> Dominic Yagong, of Hamakua, were absent. <br /> tce <br /> AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted, <br /> FORD x <br /> HIGH x COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES <br /> HOFFMANN x AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br /> IKEDA x ~ G~~~'~'. J / <br /> JACOBSON x <br /> NAEOLE x EMILY OLE, CHAIR <br /> PILAGO x <br /> YAGONG x HSEDC REPORT NO. 8 <br /> YOSHIMOTO x ADOPTED: FEB 0 6 2008 <br /> <br />