2026-10-22 Public Safety & Economy

The Honolulu City Council’s Public Safety Committee met on October 22, 2026. It advanced Bill 53-2026, relating to shopping carts, after amending it to a hand-carried CD1. The measure would establish penalties for possessing shopping carts outside commercial premises; discussion included enforcement, deterrence, public safety, costs to retailers, and concerns about criminalizing homelessness. The amendment passed 3–1, with Councilmember Kia‘aina opposed. No contracts, RFPs, or vendor selections were identified.

The committee adopted Resolution 26-213, confirming Richard Kebo’s reappointment to the Ocean Safety Commission, and Resolution 26-229, accepting a $3,041.82 gift for the Honolulu Police Department’s Specialized Services Division canine unit. The Department of Emergency Management briefed members on a reorganization and plan to fill 13 positions, including planning, logistics, IT, training, and community-preparedness roles. The positions were included in the FY2027 budget; the department said it was working through position review and union consultation before recruitment. No additional procurement action was reported.