HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1513

TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2011

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO THE WEED AND SEED STRATEGY.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that "weed and seed" is a strategy sponsored by the United States Department of Justice and is administered locally by the United States Attorney's Office.  Initiated in 1992, weed and seed is an innovative, comprehensive multi-agency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and community revitalization.  The strategy is currently implemented in one hundred fifteen sites across the nation.

     The weed and seed strategy is a collaborative effort among law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and county levels, social service agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and residents to reclaim, restore, and rebuild communities.  The four key elements of the weed and seed strategy are:

     (1)  Law enforcement;

     (2)  Community policing;

     (3)  Prevention, intervention, and treatment programs; and

     (4)  Neighborhood restoration.

     The weed and seed strategy works with local law enforcement to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in targeted neighborhoods by "weeding" out the criminal element in the community.  Community policing involves having police officers work closely with community residents to develop solutions to violent and drug-related crimes.  "Seeding" the community involves collaboration among various human services organizations to implement prevention, intervention treatment, and neighborhood revitalization projects, programs, and activities.

     The legislature finds that the State has benefited greatly from weed and seed programs at sites on Oahu that encompass Ala Moana, Chinatown, downtown Honolulu, Kalihi, Waipahu, and Ewa Beach.  Since the implementation of the strategy, crime in those areas has decreased significantly.  The legislature further finds that the strategy's success warrants maintaining the operation of the weed and seed program in these communities, and envisions expanding it to other communities in the future.

     The purpose of this Act is to:

     (1)  Establish a permanent weed and seed program within the department of labor and industrial relations to continue its success; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds to maintain current operations of the weed and seed program and expand the program into other areas of the State.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 371, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§371-     Weed and seed program; established.  (a)  There is established within the department of labor and industrial relations the weed and seed program to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for residents and neighborhoods in the State.  The program shall be a collaborative effort among residents, law enforcement agencies, social service providers, educators, area businesses, and other resource agencies and support organizations to:

     (1)  Create, initiate, implement, and support responsible, community-based activities, projects, and services that help reduce crime and drug use in neighborhoods;

     (2)  Engage members of the community to encourage the development and maintenance of economic and social well-being; and

     (3)  Teach and model collaborative efforts that focus on sustainable results.

     (b)  No later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session of the legislature, the department of labor and industrial relations shall submit a report to the legislature and the governor on its activities, including projects completed or ongoing, funds expended, and other relevant data or information on the program."

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2011-2012 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2012-2013 to maintain the weed and seed strategy in areas currently designated for weed and seed strategy and to expand the weed and seed strategy into other areas of the State.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of labor and industrial relations for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.   SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on January 7, 2059.


 


 

Report Title:

Weed and Seed Program; Permanent Establishment; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes a Permanent Weed and Seed program within DLIR.  Appropriates funds.  Effective January 7, 2059.  (HB1513 HD1)

 

 

 

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.