THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

288

THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2021

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

Relating to THE Penal Code.

 

 

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

 


     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that tents, illegal structures, and other objects that obstruct public sidewalks are increasingly being anchored or attached to adjacent property, such as fences belonging to private owners.  These unauthorized objects can also include political campaign signs that flourish during the period leading up to an election.

     The legislature further finds that existing law does not appear to empower law enforcement officers to summarily detach these objects from the private property.  Complaints about objects attached to fences or other structures are likely to be treated as civil complaints that property owners must initiate through the courts.

     The purpose of this Act is to prohibit the attachment of objects to fences and other structures without permission, and facilitate the removal of objects attached in this manner, by establishing the criminal offense of unauthorized attachment of an object to a fence, gate, wall, or other structure.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 708, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§708-    Unauthorized attachment of an object to a fence, gate, wall, or other structure; penalty.  (1)  A person commits the offense of unauthorized attachment of an object to a fence, gate, wall, or other structure if the person knowingly attaches an object to a fence, gate, wall, or other structure or barrier without permission from the owner.

     (2)  The owner, acting in good faith, may detach the object without delay or notice; provided that the owner shall not be subject to liability for detaching an object under this section, except for any damages that may result from the owner's gross negligence or wanton acts or omissions.  At the request of the owner, a law enforcement officer may detach the object without delay or notice; provided that removal of the object may be conducted at the law enforcement officer's discretion, pursuant to state law or county ordinance that authorizes the removal.

     (3)  Unauthorized attachment of an object to a fence, gate, wall, or other structure is a violation; provided that a second or subsequent offense committed within one year of a prior conviction for the same offense is a petty misdemeanor.

     (4)  For purposes of this section:

     "Object" means any material thing that can be seen and touched, including but not limited to tarps, ropes, signage, and any communication that falls under the definition of "advertisement" in section 11-302.

     "Owner" means:

    (a)  The owner of the fence, gate, wall, or other structure or barrier; or

    (b)  The owner, agent, tenant, lessor, or sublessor of the real property on which the fence, gate, wall, or other structure or barrier is situated, or their respective assigns or successors in interest."

     SECTION 3.  This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.

     SECTION 4.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Penal Code; Offenses Against Property; Unauthorized Attachment of Object

 

Description:

Establishes the offense of unauthorized attachment of an object to a fence, gate, wall, or other structure, which is committed when a person knowingly attaches an object to a fence, gate, wall, or other structure or barrier without the owner's permission.

 

 

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