Hawaii lawmakers mull bills on sugar, homelessness, police

HONOLULU — Hawaii lawmakers are up against a major deadline as they head into the final month of the legislative session.

Bills dealing with homelessness, sugar workers and a slew of other topics need to pass out of the second chamber by Thursday. Otherwise, those policy ideas will die. Here’s a sampling of the proposals the Hawaii House and Senate may vote on next week:

Sugar workers

With the upcoming closure of Hawaii’s last sugar plantation, more than 600 workers on Maui will lose their jobs. A bill pending in the Senate would set aside funds for on-the-job training for people who are unemployed and dislocated when Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company closes.

Police body cameras

Supporters say a system for police body cameras could protect both the public and police during tense interactions. House lawmakers are considering a bill to figure out how to set up rules and requirements for wearing them. Some police departments oppose the measure.

Work for a day

As Hawaii looks for solutions to its homelessness crisis, lawmakers are considering a program that would help connect homeless people with day jobs, providing lunch and a ride back to a shelter. The bill pending in the Senate would establish a three-year program.

Abandoned animals

Thousands of dogs and cats are abandoned across Hawaii every year, which can harm not only the animals but also native wildlife. Lawmakers want to increase fines for animal desertion. A bill pending in the House would make animal desertion a petty misdemeanor punishable with fines up to $2,000 if an animal suffers death or substantial bodily injury.