Gov. Linda Lingle today signed into law a bill that requires a person to remove graffiti from damaged property within 30 days of being sentenced for the crime. The new law also requires the person perform community service to help remove other graffiti within 100 yards of the site of the offense, even if the property was damaged by another person.

"Graffiti has become a major problem for property owners and an eyesore in our communities," said Rep. Henry Aquino, D-35th (Pearl City, Waipahu), the vice chair of the Committee on Public Safety and the introducer of the bill. "I'm pleased the governor signed the bill into law. It sends a message that graffiti will not be tolerated, and it places the burden of removal directly upon the violator."

The bill was HB2129.