Inaba: Council won’t override mayor’s veto of Bill 59

Hawaii County Council Chair Holeka Inaba said the council will not attempt to override Mayor Kimo Alameda’s veto of Bill 59.

The bill, approved 7-2 by the council on July 9, would have prohibited pedestrians from soliciting rides, jobs, business, or other services within 15 feet of a roadway unless vehicles were legally parked.

Violations could have resulted in fines between $250 and $1,000 and community service requirements of 50 to 200 hours, with stiffer penalties for repeat offenses within a year.

Alameda vetoed the bill Aug. 6, the first veto of his mayoral career, citing concerns the law could violate constitutional rights to free speech and lead to legal challenges. He also noted the bill could disrupt “flag stops” on some county bus routes.

“While the bill attempts to address public safety concerns, we must be careful when restricting use or access to public rights of way,” Alameda said.

The County Council needs six affirmative votes to override the mayor’s veto. This is because the council consists of nine members, and a two-thirds majority is typically required to override a mayoral veto.