Honolulu bill could fine, jail homeless residents over shopping cart use
Honolulu is considering a bill that could impose fines of up to $2,000 and up to 30 days in jail for unauthorized possession of shopping carts. (Credit: Getty Images)
HONOLULU - A Honolulu City Council proposal would make it illegal to possess a shopping cart away from a retailer's premises without authorization, with violators facing fines of up to $2,000, as many as 30 days in jail and confiscation of the cart.
Honolulu moves to fine, jail homeless for using shopping carts
Big picture view:
Bill 53, introduced by Council Chair Tommy Waters, passed its first reading Aug. 12. Supporters, including retailers and law enforcement officials, say the measure would address stolen and abandoned carts that can block sidewalks, bus stops and waterways.
What they're saying:
"Shopping carts can end up in public spaces for a variety of reasons, but when they are left behind, they can create safety hazards by obstructing sidewalks and clogging our streams and impose unnecessary costs on grocery stores and local retailers," Waters said in a statement.
The police department also argues that the bill would close what it sees as a gap in enforcement. While officers regularly recover shopping carts, they currently have limited ability to penalize people who possess them unless a retailer is willing to pursue a theft case.
"The reality is that the retailer does not have time for that, nor do they want to spend more resources prosecuting or driving around collecting their carts," Okamoto said. "We are stuck in this area where there is really no disincentive against removing these carts from private property and people taking them for their own private use."
The other side:
Critics argue the bill could disproportionately affect people experiencing homelessness, who often use shopping carts to transport their belongings.
Angie Knight, a former community relations manager for the Institute for Human Services, said carts are often the easiest way for unsheltered people to move their possessions.
Jonathan Huynh, who testified against the bill, also said the proposal could amount to "putting people in jail just for being poor."
Measure to face further consideration
What's next:
More than 2,300 people were living unsheltered on Oʻahu this year, according to the latest Point-in-Time count.
What's next:
Council members Scott Nishimoto, Val Okimoto, Augie Tulba and Matt Weyer supported the bill's first reading. Radiant Cordero and Esther Kiaʻāina voted yes with reservations, while Tyler Dos Santos Tam was absent.
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The measure is expected to face further consideration as the Council weighs concerns about abandoned shopping carts against the potential impact on people experiencing homelessness.
The Source: The information for this story was provided by The Associated Press/Honolulu Civil Beat. This story was reported from Los Angeles.