STAND. COM. REP. NO. 673-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: H.B. No. 2607

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Judiciary, to which was referred H.B. No. 2607 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC ORDER,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to prohibit urination or defecation in a public place within business districts.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the Office of the Public Defender.

Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that witnessing other individuals urinating and defecating in public frightens and offends many people. Your Committee also finds that these behaviors also create a public health risk because of the spread of diseases and other health hazards stemming from human waste. These health concerns, along with the smell associated with public urination and defecation, can often discourage people from patronizing establishments located in business districts.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Specifying that urinating or defecating in a public place is punishable by a fine of no more than $100;

(2) Changing its effective date to July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purpose of clarity, consistency, and style.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2607, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2607, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary,

____________________________

CHRIS LEE, Chair