The Honolulu City Council gave first reading approval to a bill banning sleeping, sitting and lying down on sidewalks.

There was testimony both for and against the proposal.

Councilman Nestor Garcia was the sole "no" vote.
The ban would be applied throughout O'ahu. But Councilman Charles Djou said he introduced Bill 69-09 to address concerns raised by businesses and residents in Waikiki, where sleeping on city sidewalks is a growing problem.

Community leaders said the problem is worst at night when Kapi'olani Park and other city facilities close. The city last year began enforcing an ordinance that bans camping at city parks from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The bill states: "No person shall sleep, sit or lie on a public sidewalk, or on a blanket, chair, stool or any other object placed on a public sidewalk."

Exceptions include sitting or lying down due to a medical emergency or incapacitation, sitting on a bike, bus or park bench provided by the government or private owner, and sitting to watch or participate in a parade or other event.

The bill says a person must first be given a warning by a law enforcement officer before a violation could occur. A citation could result in a fine of up to $50 for each violation.
Today's approval was the first of three votes needed for the bill to be approved by the City Council.