HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0968.005 1996-1998
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
skateboarding in defiance of the property owner's request. Property owners complained
that the skateboarders often become confrontational when contacted.
We began to give verbal warnings, contacted parents, and passed out flyers in an
attempt to gain compliance from the skateboarders.
We also assisted and supported the Department of Parks and Recreation and the
YMCA in the development of skate parks for Hilo and Puna.
The Police Department continued to receive complaints in spite of our efforts.
We began issuing citations, and on several occasions making arrests when it was found
that false information was given to police officers or when skateboarders were found in
possession of drugs.
At the urging of the Downtown Improvement Association Public Safety
Committee and the Community Policing Team, Councilperson LEITEHEAD-TODD
introduced this bill to address the concerns of the Downtown Hilo businesses.
This bill has been brought before the Council because all other attempts to gain
compliance from the skateboarders have failed. It will give law enforcement the
opportunity to make the sidewalks in Downtown Hilo safe for pedestrians and visitors.