STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2038

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: S.B. No. 602

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 602 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to provide conditions under which all parcels under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority and authority offices and facilities shall be closed to the public so that trespassing violations may be prosecuted as criminal trespass in the second degree.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that public housing residents frequently experience vandalism, property damage, excessive noise, and unsanitary conditions in parking areas and vacant land parcels under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority. Many of these issues are caused by individuals who do not reside in the public housing facilities, leading to safety concerns and decreased quality of life for residents. This measure will help reduce trespassing and nuisances, ultimately creating a safer and more livable environment for public housing residents, by clearly designating certain areas as closed to the public, implementing proper signage, and empowering law enforcement to address violations.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 602 and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

____________________________

DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair