Honolulu's Sit-Lie Ordinance, Bill 6 (2014) codified at ROH section 29-16, prohibits sitting or lying on public sidewalks in Waikiki and other designated business districts between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Adopted in 2014 in response to tourism complaints, the ordinance bans sitting, kneeling, or lying down on sidewalks within Waikiki, Chinatown, Downtown, Kaimuki, Kalihi, and other listed commercial corridors. Officers must give a verbal warning before issuing a citation, and exceptions cover medical emergencies, parades, bus stops, and persons using wheelchairs or mobility devices. Federal courts have upheld the ordinance against constitutional challenges where adequate shelter alternatives exist through the Continuum of Care and IHS shelter network.
Violators receive a written citation after a warning, with fines up to $1,000 or up to 30 days imprisonment for repeat offenses, though most cases divert to outreach services.
See how Honolulu's sit-lie rules rules stack up against other locations.
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