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Illegal Peddling Fines

At a glance

  • What: Bill 52 (2026), relating to streets, sidewalks, malls and other public places, raises the fine for illegal peddling from $100 to $500.
  • Where it stands: passed second reading September 9, 2026, 9-0, with Tulba, Tupola and Weyer aye with reservations (Nishimoto moved committee report 236(26); Tupola seconded).
  • Next: third reading. Tupola asked the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) for citation counts by Council district.

Debate

  • August 12 (first reading, 8-0): Toma of HPD gave general comment; Erdman of Retail Merchants of Hawaii and Garry supported. Waters said people in costume approach tourists for photos and then demand payment, sometimes leading to confrontations, and the $100 fine is too weak a deterrent.
  • September 9: Billionaire opposed; Robinson gave general comment. Tupola questioned whether enforcement so far justifies a higher fine and wants islandwide data. Dos Santos-Tam said Chinatown has both legal and illegal vendors and enforcement obstacles should be studied before raising fines.

Sources

Log

2026-10-07 - Regular Council

Third reading passed with 9 ayes. HPD reported about 100 citations since 2024, nearly all in Chinatown and Waikīkī; the Waikīkī Business Improvement District supported the bill.

2026-09-09 - Regular Council

Second reading passed 9-0 with three members voting aye with reservations.

2026-08-12 - Regular Council

First reading passed 8-0 (Dos Santos-Tam absent).

Committee heard Bill 52 testimony from a police major (46% of those cited were repeat offenders since 2024; citations mostly in Waikiki and Chinatown) and two Waikiki tour operators in support; passed unamended with no objection. Tupola urged follow-up with the prosecutor on collection of fines.