A bill introduced in the Honolulu City Council that would fine those who possess and abandon shopping carts was met with mixed feelings from community members.
Bill 53 would make the possession or abandonment of carts a petty misdemeanor, and could fine offenders up to $2,000 or jail them up to 30 days.
Some testifiers are worried that the bill may disproportionately impact homeless individuals who would not be able to pay the fines. Heather Lusk, the executive director of the Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center, said she understands that cart theft is an issue that should be addressed, but she does not believe this bill is the right solution…