Camping law aimed at homeless takes effect - "illegal camping" ordinance

[The Straight Story]

Camping law aimed at homeless takes effect


Barring a mayoral veto, the city's new "illegal camping" ordinance will go into effect today, clearing the way for the city to move scores of homeless campers from Kapi'olani Park and other parks islandwide.
Advertisement

Police have not yet determined when they'll start enforcing the law.

But the urgency to do so continues to mount — especially in Waikiki, where dozens of homeless are sleeping nightly at Kapi'olani, one of the most popular parks on O'ahu and situated at the gateway to the state's No. 1 tourism destination.

"Having it go on at such a prominent park" is bad for the economy, City Councilman Charles Djou said yesterday. "Kapi'olani Park is in the heart of Waikiki. Waikiki is the heart of our tourism industry. Tourism is the heart of our economy."

In a letter dated today, Djou urged Mayor Mufi Hannemann to start enforcing the new law immediately — and to start enforcement at Kapi'olani.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080905/NEWS04/809050367/1008/LOCALNEWSFRONT