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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> PANHANDLING BILL TESTIMONY <br /> <br /> Aggressive panhandling is the number one concern of businesses in Downtown <br /> <br /> Hilo. In a community policing survey conducted in June 1998, 50% of the respondents <br /> <br /> made this statement. <br /> <br /> Many misconceptions of panhandlers have recently surfaced. In my two years as <br /> <br /> a community police officer I have become very familiar with these panhandlers. I would <br /> <br /> like to provide a profile of the average panhandler to dispute some of these <br /> <br /> misconceptions. -.i~y~rsy <br /> oate--------------- <br /> • The average panhandler is in his late 30's to early 40s. County Council <br /> <br /> • He is not homeless. He lives in an apartment in or near Downtown Hilo. <br /> <br /> • He receives some type of supplemental income. <br /> <br /> • He is involved in some type of substance abuse. Several panhandlers have admitted <br /> <br /> to using the money they receive to purchase crack cocaine. Several have been <br /> <br /> arrested for being in possession of crack pipes or drugs. <br /> <br /> • He makes as much as $50.00 to $ 75.00 a day panhandling. <br /> <br /> , The average panhandler works on Kamehameha Avenue throughout the day and <br /> <br /> during the dinner time hours. He frequents the S. Hata Building and targets the <br /> <br /> customers of Reuben's Mexican Restaurant and Cafd Pesto. He will target the elderly, <br /> <br /> and will often follow them to their car if necessary. He will use intimidation and is <br /> <br /> willing to become vocal to get his way. He is persistent and knows that most people will <br /> <br /> sacrifice a dollar to be rid of him. <br /> <br /> This bill will give the police the opportunity to address the panhandling problem and <br /> <br /> return the safe and secure feeling that every visitor to Downtown Hilo deserves. <br /> Submitted by Police Officer Randy Apele at 10/06/98 FC mtg. <br /> <br /> oamm No. <br /> Ftle Ne.__. ff CG R <br /> itef. To:Presented r <br /> <br /> itsf. L1<tn OCT 6 1998 <br />