HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PCPWMT 006 2025-09-16 2024-2026REPORT 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
PCPWMT-6
Page 2 September 16, 2025
Your Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit is in accord with the purpose and intent
of Bill No. 82, and recommends its passage on first reading.
of
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI`I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
POLICY COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC
WORKS AND MASSSS TRANSIT
JAM E. HUSTACE, CHAIR
PCPWMT REPORT NO.: 6
ADOPTED: OCT O H 2O3