GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM
“There really is no support. You’d think that Hawaii would kind of be the center for immigration issues. But I guess if it’s deemed a ‘sanctuary city,’ that’s not well-received.”
Ann Kobayashi
Honolulu City Councilwoman
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These days, becoming a “sanctuary city” is an act of political defiance, a poke in the eye of the Trump administration and its tough immigration policies — a little afield of the usual business of the Honolulu City Council. So it’s no surprise that Bill 31 died ignominiously soon after it was introduced on May 30. The bill would have restricted the Honolulu Police Department’s ability to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement agencies.
It’s just as well. The Council has plenty of other intractable problems to keep it busy — rail and vacation rentals, just to name two.
Stay away from closed trails
Just a month after the 20th anniversary of the tragedy that closed Sacred Falls State Park, six people have been issued citations for trespassing. Good.
It’s imperative hikers know that the state’s closure is in effect for a reason. On May 9, 1999, falling rocks there killed eight people and injured about 50 more. In fact, one of the six hikers cited Tuesday suffered a minor injury following a rockfall incident.
The fine is $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second and $500 for a third offense. The state also can pursue civil penalties of $2,500 for a first violation, $5,000 for a second and $10,000 for a third. Trespassing, though, could cost even more in bodily harm. Stay out.