HB729

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	729
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that graffiti is a visual blight on schools, bus stops, freeway walls, road signs, buildings, and other public and private property statewide. In particular, there has been an increase of graffiti on Oahu, despite efforts to eradicate it by residents, student and community groups, and neighborhoods throughout the island. The department of transportation estimates that it spends approximately $25,000 to paint over one hundred fifty thousand square feet of graffiti each year. In addition to the social ill-effects and property damage caused by graffiti, the dyes used in the paints and markers are environmental pollutants, especially when the chemical products end up mixed into runoff water that finds its way into drains and waterways, thus creating a health hazard for Hawaii's people.

Graffiti vandalism is a crime punishable by fines and jail sentences. In addition, civil penalties may be imposed on both those who cause graffiti damage and their parents. Despite these strict consequences, the legislature finds that more needs to be done to educate Hawaii's youth on the various negative effects of graffiti. The purpose of this Act is to require the department of education to create educational programs for teenagers to educate them on the economic, environmental, criminal, and social costs of graffiti.

SECTION 2. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A- Graffiti prevention programs. (a) The department shall develop and coordinate educational presentations to be given to all students entering the ninth grade that informs those students on the economic, environmental, criminal, and social costs of graffiti.

(b) The department shall develop a graffiti awareness program that includes presentations from relevant groups and agencies on the negative consequences of graffiti. The department may collaborate with any interested groups in the development of this program, including but not limited to the county police departments, environmental groups, community agencies, student organizations, and others who have undertaken efforts to eradicate graffiti.

As used in this section, "graffiti" means any unauthorized drawing, inscription, figure, or marking created by paint, ink, chalk, dye, or similar substances."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________