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SB3287
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
3287
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING
TO ENCAMPMENTs
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION 1.
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The
legislature finds that encampments, including tents, makeshift shelters, and
other temporary structures used for habitation can pose public safety or
traffic hazards when located near roadways.
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Sweeps and clearances of encampments are done frequently, though without
a mandated buffer zone along highly trafficked roadways, substantial resources
are being allocated to these efforts yet do not lead to lasting results.
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Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to
prohibit the erection, placement, construction, or
maintenance of an encampment within one hundred feet of a state highway
right-of-way.
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SECTION 2.
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The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new chapter to be
appropriately designated and to read as follows:
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Chapter
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sTATE HIGHWAY encampment buffer zone
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Definitions.
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As used in this chapter:
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"Buffer
zone" means one hundred feet from a state highway right-of-way under the
jurisdiction of the state department of transportation.
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"Encampment"
means a tent, makeshift shelter, or any other temporary structure used for
habitation.
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Buffer zone; state highways.
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(a)
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No person shall erect, place,
construct, or maintain an encampment within a buffer zone of state highway.
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(b)
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Any person who violates subsection (a) shall
be subject to immediate removal and may be subject to a fine not to exceed $200.
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(c)
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Nothing in this section shall preclude a
person from being charged with a trespassing violation pursuant to chapter 708
or any other violation.
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(d)
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Law enforcement personnel enforcing this
section shall provide information related to temporary housing and homelessness
assistance programs to individuals displaced from encampments.
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(e)
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Law enforcement personnel shall take the
personal belongings of individuals displaced from encampments into custody and
store them at the police station or other designated location, to be returned
to the individual upon release from custody."
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SECTION 3.
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This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
INTRODUCED BY:
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Report Title:
Encampments;
Buffer Zone; State Highway Right-Of-Way; Prohibition
Description:
Prohibits the erection, placement, construction, or
maintenance of an encampment within one hundred feet from a state highway
right-of-way.
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The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.