Hawaii Senate Bill SB3242

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/26
• Refer: 2/2/26

Caption

Relating To Encampments.

Impact

If enacted, SB3242 would lead to significant changes in how encampments are managed in relation to schools, as it empowers law enforcement to remove encampments from the buffer zone. Violators of this prohibition may face immediate removal and fines up to $200. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that law enforcement must also provide information about housing assistance to those displaced from encampments, addressing the larger issue of homelessness while simultaneously enforcing the new restrictions.

Summary

Senate Bill 3242 addresses the issue of encampments, specifically tents and makeshift shelters, that pose risks to the health and safety of students and school staff when located near schools. The bill proposes the establishment of a buffer zone of one hundred feet around pre-K-12 public and private schools, prohibiting the erection, placement, construction, or maintenance of such encampments within that distance. The legislative intent is to protect communities from potential hazards associated with encampments, which can obstruct access to schools and create environmental and safety concerns.

Contention

There are several points of contention surrounding SB3242. Critics argue that while the bill aims to enhance safety for school communities, it could exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness by limiting their access to safe places to stay. Opponents may contend that the bill does not adequately provide for the needs of these vulnerable populations and question whether removing encampments is a suitable long-term solution to the complex issues surrounding homelessness. The balance between community safety and the rights of homeless individuals will likely be a central theme in discussions regarding this legislation.