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SKATEBOARD ORDINANCE Skateboarding, when done in the proper place, is not a crime. This is not the issue facing Bill 287. It is not a transportation, recreation, discrimination, or political issue. t RECENED i Bill 287 addresses a public safety concern. By__ Skateboarding on public sidewalks in the Downtown Hilo area places pedei?:ViDiscounai skateboarders, and motorists in danger of injury. A skateboarder hit a customer of a Downtown Hilo business two weeks ago. On that same day, an errant skateboard struck and damaged a moving vehicle on Waianuenue Avenue. In the past skateboarders have been struck by moving vehicles as the skateboarders entered the roadway from the sidewalk while performing stunts. On all occasions the skateboarders fled before being identified. The Statewide Traffic Code (Section 291C-148) prohibits the operation of bicycles on sidewalks in business districts because of the hazards it creates to pedestrians and bicyclists. The same should hold true for skateboards and similar devices. The Community Policing team first began addressing skateboard complaints received from Downtown Hilo businesses in July 1997. We found that many skateboarders were either dropped off by their parents or used their own vehicles to come into town. They preferred to skate in Downtown Hilo because of the many buildings and locations which provided them the opportunity to perform stunts. These skateboarders were often trespassing on private property and would ignore no trespassing signs as well as the requests of business owners not to skateboard on private property. They would often damage buildings, railings, and stairs while p Cuu.rn. ~{Ct ~ST12 File No. ?®1. Tw N'esented Cm u,v c , ~ Ref. Dnb MT 7 199B