HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0936.044 2004-2006
August 22, 2006 =
Council Chair and Council Members, :v
22-Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI, 96720
Dear Councilman Higa,
I am currently a junior at Hilo High School, and we are discussing the debate on Bilf, 300. ;A~
the moment, as we speak about this issue we agree that there are many numerous views, both
for and against drinking in public areas. Yet interesting enough, more students have placed
their support towards NOT having a ban. Also they are avid about their support: I'm writing
this letter to inform you of my personal opinion even though the law does not affect me
personally, being that I am underage. However, I am interested in politics' and am a future
voter and hope that you take my suggestions seriously.
Bill 300, in my opinion was made up for an idealist. How can members of the community
who participate in politics truly expect the "Average Joe" to give up their daily "Happy Hour"
at the beach because of a bill? It is understandable what is trying to be prevented, and I agree
that beer bottles and sodas cans at our beloved beaches are unacceptable. I also accept that
rowdy and violent behavior in a public area is wrong. Yet these actions unless extreme and
detrimental to the community do not merit a ridiculous five hundred dollar fine, especially
when there are other laws in our community being broken and are punished with a lax attitude.
If the bill goes into effect, there will be more organized drinking in other places, and anger
amongst many in the community.
I understand both sides of the argument and both are valid. This is why I would like to
propose a compromise. Drinking at the beach should be allowed for adults 21 and over and
should end by midnight. Drinking at the beach should only be stopped when the individuals
in question are being insubordinate to the rules of the public area and are being openly
detrimental. If this happens the individuals should (if need be) arrested and/or fined, you
could also perhaps instead of banning them, give them community service, cleaning the
beaches they began to ruin, and if worse serves, that individual should be placed under the ban
for a period of time. This way you eliminate innocent bystanders, and reprimand those who
are truly disrupting the community. Let's not take away persons privileges away because of
the questionable few that cause problems. I hope you are enlightened to a new compromise on
Bill 300 and hopefully put it into consideration. I appreciate your time in reading this letter.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Student
Comm. No. tt
" 13 . `f
Ref. 70; ire
Rtf. t 0 g