HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0968.006 1996-1998
As a student intern working with the Community Policing Officers in Downtown Hilo, I have
frequently walked about the downtown area during the day, as well as at night with the Citizen's Patrols.
I recall that when this Bill was first introduced, there was a question of whether it was a
transportation issue. I would like to clearly state that it is not. Since I began my irdem a few months ago, I
have yet to see anybody use the skateboards for transportation purposes. Rather, they are seen staying in
the same place for extended periods of time attempting potentially dangerous stunts, which become even
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more so when taking into account the locations at which they most frequently skate. liy
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County Council
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reported the number of skateboarding injuries has
increased from 16,000 in 1983 to 56,435 injuries in 1992, most of which were head injuries. The study
recommends that skating be done in areas away from pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic.
The skaters are ofien seen along the downtown streets, jumping back and forth from the sidewalk
to the roadway, or in driveways, where they use the depression in the curb as a ramp from which to launch
off. Sometimes as they skate down a sidewalk, pedestrians find themselves having to jump off the
sidewalk to avoid being run over. In speaking with pedestrians who encounter this, I have received stories
of the skaters being very rude and vulgar when asked to discontinue their hazardous behavior. A couple of
weeks ago, I personally observed a skater attempting to jump down some steps, whereupon his skateboard
flew out across the street, and the skater had to chase after it into the street. Fortunately, there were no can
passing at the time.
Clearly, something must be done to ensure public safety in this matter, and this Bill would be the
perfect tool to begin with.
I believe the penalties suggested by this Bill to be both reasonable and necessary. The intent here
is not to go about destroying skateboards and preventing kids from having fun. Rather, the penalties are
designed as a deterrent to skateboarding in dangerous environmenis. The combination of the fines and the ~y
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confiscation of the skateboards discourage teenagers from skating in the downtown area, while at the same
time, encourages parents to keep their kids from doing it.
In closing, I would like to point out that we are not trying to turn skateboarding into a crime. Our
main concern in this matter is the safety of the community,which includes business owners, pedestrians,
motorists, and skaters.