Bill banning property in public lacks financial data, official says

A bill that would bar people from storing furniture, clothing and other personal property in public areas such as sidewalks and parks needs to be more thoroughly vetted to determine its financial impact, a City Council member argued.

Councilman Romy Cachola criticized the city administration for not having a more accurate picture of what it would cost to seize and store private possessions, and asked that an analysis be provided as the bill moves forward.

"Sometimes they don’t look at the financial implications when they come up with this kind of policy and try to enforce it," Cachola said. "I want to see the cost implications."

Despite his reservations, Cachola was among the eight members of the Council who supported Bill 54 on Wednesday and voted to advance it for further vetting in committee. Councilman Nestor Garcia was the lone member to oppose the bill.

Lori Nishimura, executive assistant to Mayor Peter Carlisle, testified that the administration would prioritize and work with its existing budget to deal with the confiscated items.

"We are planning to do the best we can with the money we have," Nishimura said, adding that the city may eventually look at contracting out the work, which would at first be performed by the city Department of Facilities Maintenance.

Under Bill 54, people who are found in violation would be given a written notice and 24 hours to remove the property. After that, it would be impounded, and owners would have 30 days to recover it before it is discarded.

Nishimura stressed that there would be no criminal citation, adding that the bill simply establishes a standard process to deal with items left in public spaces, including items kept in parks by homeless people.

Opponents of the bill, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii, argue the bill will be used to selectively target homeless people. Some who testified Wednesday said the city should do more to prevent homelessness, rather than attack the problem after it occurs.

"The problem of homelessness is a symptom of an economic system that’s out of balance," Moiliili resident Kyle Kajihiro said.

Supporters say public spaces taken up by private property has become a nuisance and a public health and safety issue.

"These are public sidewalks and they have become a minefield of flotsam and jetsam," said Ron Lockwood, McCully-Moiliili Neighborhood Board chairman. "Some of my neighbors feel unsafe walking around in their neighborhood."

Bill 54 goes back to committee for further crafting and would require one final vote before the full Council before going to Carlisle for consideration.