© 2024 Hawaiʻi Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
This moment matters. Support the news, conversations and music you rely on. Contribute $10/mo to HPR. Tap to donate.

Blangiardi to decide on measure banning most commercial activity at windward Oʻahu beaches

Catherine Cruz
/
HPR

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi says he will decide on a controversial measure banning most commercial activity at several windward Oʻahu beaches by Tuesday.

Bill 38 was passed in a 7-2 vote earlier this month by the Honolulu City Council.

Blangiardi told HPR that after meeting Thursday with both supporters and opponents of the measure, he needs more time to study the bill and its effects.

"I want to put it off only because I want to do a little more diligence. Candidly speaking, I was very moved by the testimonies I listened to yesterday with really good insight from the standpoint of the impact of commercialization," he told HPR's The Conversation.

The bill would prohibit all commercial activity on numerous windward beaches except for commercial filming approved by the Hawaiʻi Film Office.

Opponents such as wedding photographers say the bill unfairly targets their businesses.

Supporters say many beaches have been overrun by commercial activity, preventing local families from enjoying them.

The mayor has three choices: he can sign the bill, allow it to become law without his signature, or veto it.

Scott Kim was a news editor at Hawaiʻi Public Radio.
Related Stories