HONOLULU (AP) - A Hawaii lawmaker is proposing legislation that would impose fines of up to $2,000 for people caught urinating in public.
State Rep. Gene Ward’s measure would designate “urine-free zones” where offenders could be fined for relieving themselves at playgrounds, bus stops, parking lots and parking garages.
Those caught violating the law would face fines or be required to complete a drug, alcohol or mental health treatment program.
The bill serves as a replacement for a Hawaii law that expired at the end of the year and prohibited urination and defecation in public spaces.
Ward’s proposal has faced opposition from those who say it unfairly targets the state’s homeless population.
“Further criminalization of poverty and bodily functions is not the way to go,” said Mateo Caballero, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii. “We think that the state should be spending its resources in building more public bathrooms before they pass more bills criminalizing urinating and defecating in public.”
But Ward said everyone should be held accountable for their actions and that the state should not “lower the standards” by allowing people to relieve themselves in public.
“If you belong to a society, I don’t care what level or hierarchy or what continent you’re on, there’s accountability and responsibility, and that is what this bill calls in to the individuals,” Ward said. “Whether you’re homeless or not homeless, you have to be responsible for some things.”
House Democrats have not yet announced whether they will consider Ward’s measure.
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