County of Hawaiʻi Mayor Kimo Alameda vetoed Bill 59 on July 31, citing concerns the legislation would impact constitutionally protected speech and expression in public spaces.

The bill, passed by the Hawaiʻi County Council on July 9, prohibited pedestrians from entering within 15 feet of a roadway to receive a ride, employment, business or any other good or service from a vehicle, unless the vehicle is legally parked.

In his veto message to the County Council, the first of his term, Mayor Alameda said the bill could subject the County to legal challenges. Additionally, the restrictions could impact the use of “flag stops” on certain County bus routes. 

“While the bill attempts to address public safety concerns, we must be careful when restricting use or access to public rights of way,” Mayor Alameda said. “Such legislation needs to be legally sound and equitable in its applications.”