Fines for Bulky Item Abuses? - Your Input Needed at City Council Committee Hearing!

On November 24, 2009, Mayor Mufi Hannemann introduced a bill that has focused attention on a thorny problem in our neighborhood - bulky item trash that can be found piled up along sidewalks throughout Makiki! On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, Bill 78 (2009), relating to Bulky Wastes, is scheduled by the City Council's Public Infrastructure Committee for hearing at 1:00 pm. The Public Infrastructure Committee is chaired by Makiki Councilmember Ann Kobayashi. She is joined by Councilmembers Donovan Dela Cruz, Ikaika Anderson, Nestor R. Garcia, and Gary H. Okino.

As currently drafted, Bill 78 could impose fines of up to $500 for improperly placed bulky items upon residential owners, business owners, or associations whose property abuts the sidewalk on which the bulky items are placed.

If you have strong feelings about this issue, I urge you to submit written testimony to the committee or attend the hearing in person and register to provide oral testimony. More details about submitting written testimony can be found at the Council website. Persons wishing to testify on items listed on the Public Infrastructure Committee agenda are requested to register by 1:00 p.m. by:
(a) using the On‑Line City Council Speaker Registration form;
(b) sending a fax to 768-3827 indicating your desire to register to speak, along with your name, phone number and subject matter;
(c) filling out the registration form in person; or
(d) calling 768-3821.

Each speaker is limited to a three-minute presentation.

If you wish to submit written testimony, you can fax this testimony to 768-3827 or go to http://www.honolulu.gov/council/emailpi.htm to e‑mail your written testimony.