The Hawaii County Council advanced a bill on Tuesday that aims to improve safety for both pedestrians and motorists on county roadways.
Bill 82, which passed out of the council’s Policy Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit with a 7-0 vote, will now be considered by the full council. It serves as a follow-up to a previously vetoed measure, offering revisions in response to legal concerns.
The proposed legislation seeks to regulate pedestrian activities near roadways, particularly focusing on actions like soliciting or offering employment, business or other goods and services from moving vehicles, unless the vehicle is legally stopped.
“This is a follow-up bill to a previous bill that this council passed that was vetoed by Mayor (Kimo) Alameda based on legal guidance provided after our final action on the bill,” Councilman Holeka Inaba said during the meeting. “This bill essentially is to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and motorists on our roadways.”
Councilman Dennis Onishi emphasized a key change that would give the county broader jurisdiction.
“On the previous bill, I mentioned … it wouldn’t have jurisdiction for state intersections. … With this now, this will help with that situation,” he said.
Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas praised the effort that went into crafting the bill, particularly the challenges of navigating complex legal requirements.
“I also want to offer my deep gratitude to council member Inaba,” she said. “Drafting legislation is really challenging, the bar keeps moving in a lot of different ways … but as I drive through my town and worry about the health and safety of people in roadways and their animals, I’m really grateful for you bringing this back and providing us an opportunity to make positive change.”
If passed, the bill would give the Hawaii Police Department full authority to enforce the new pedestrian safety rules across all public roads, streets and highways within the county’s jurisdiction, excluding any areas that fall under Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Email Daniel Farr dfarr@hawaiitribune-herald.com
