Honolulu City Council Considers Fines and Jail Time for Unauthorized Shopping Cart Possession
The Honolulu City Council is considering Bill 53, a proposed law that would impose fines of up to $2,000 or up to 30 days in jail for individuals found with shopping carts outside of store premises. The bill, introduced by Council Chair Tommy Waters, aims to address the issue of shopping cart theft and abandonment, which he states creates safety hazards by obstructing sidewalks, bus stops, parks, and waterways. Supporters of the bill, including retailers and law enforcement, argue that shopping carts are valuable business property and their unauthorized removal constitutes theft. Honolulu Police Maj. Paul Okamoto noted that the bill would close an enforcement gap, as police currently have limited ability to penalize individuals for possessing carts unless a retailer pursues a theft case. The bill passed its first reading on August 12, with Council Members Scott Nishimoto, Val Okimoto, Augie Tulba, and Matt Weyer supporting it, and Radiant Cordero and Esther Kiaʻāina voting with reservations. 
