Bill > HB538

This bill aims to address increasing homelessness by prohibiting individuals from residing in doorways or areas immediately surrounding certain protected locations, which include residences, businesses, educational institutions, religious institutions, and community centers. Specifically, the bill defines a "doorway or surrounding area" as a doorway or an area within twenty feet of a doorway that is adjacent to or within ten feet of a public sidewalk. County police departments will have primary enforcement authority, with the power to issue oral orders to vacate without advance notice, allowing individuals thirty minutes to remove personal property. If the property owner is not present, law enforcement can immediately remove and dispose of personal property without holding it for future retrieval. The bill does not apply to lawful owners, renters, or occupants of the property. The legislation is motivated by the finding that Hawaii's homeless population has nearly doubled in the last decade, causing safety concerns and daily challenges for residents. The bill provides law enforcement with a clear legal framework to address homeless encampments near doorways of protected locations while establishing specific guidelines for enforcement.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=538&year=2026