The City Council approved a number of bills yesterday intended to provide security in the event of protests stemming from the Asian Development Bank's board of governors meeting in Honolulu May 7-11. City Council OKs laws
intended to discourage
violence at ADB meetingStar-Bulletin staff
The bills would ban "possession with intent to use" any device capable of emitting an "obnoxious substance;" prohibit the wearing of a mask or disguise "in order to conceal oneself while perpetrating a crime or to escape lawful detention or custody;" and allow police to arrest people "who deposit any glass, nail, tack, can or other substance that is likely to injure any person, animal or vehicle on a highway."
Those who oppose the ADB's policies say the measures create an intimidating climate for those who may wish to protest the conference.
The Council also approved a resolution accepting $518,000 from the Hawaii Tourism Authority that will allow police to purchase equipment related to security precautions related to the convention.
The City Council also approved:
>> A $612,000 settlement of the sexual harassment lawsuit of police outreach worker Sharon Black against retired Assistant Chief Joseph Aveiro.
>> A zoning change allowing for a 20-acre shopping center at the edge of the Royal Kunia subdivision.
>> A reorganization plan for itself that strips beleaguered Councilwoman Rene Mansho of her chair of the Public Works Committee and Council representative to the Hawaii State Association of Counties.
City & County of Honolulu
