Proposals to ban aggressive panhandling near ATMs and allow the city to offer free bus rides advanced yesterday but face two additional City Council votes next year.

The panhandling measure was proposed by Waikiki residents who say intimidating behavior by some homeless people and others is a growing problem there.

"The streets of Waikiki and urban Honolulu are really getting more rough and tough all the time," said Waikiki resident Mike Peters.

The ban would apply to areas within 10 feet of ATMs and check-cashing businesses.

"It just makes sense to make those areas a little safer," Peters said.

Councilman Charles Djou, who sponsored the measure, stressed that the ban would only apply to people who aggressively approach others and ask for money. It would not ban passive begging with signs, or solicitations linked to street performances.

Djou said the ban is meant to increase public safety, and that he had no illusions it would solve O'ahu's growing problem with homelessness.

"It's not homeless people who are necessarily the problem," he said. "It's the con artists."

HOW TO ENFORCE BAN?

The council voted unanimously to advance the measure, which would subject violators to $25 fines. Some members questioned how effective that would be.

"I'm not quite sure how we're going to collect $25 from people who are begging for money," said Councilman Nestor Garcia.

He said he understood that most people want privacy when making financial transactions, "but homeless people who are mentally challenged might not understand what 'aggressive' means."

Councilman Romy Cachola questioned whether those who don't pay would be jailed.

"You might give incentive to those who don't have any place to stay, by sending them to a jail where they'll have a place to stay, get free food and everything else," he said.

A city attorney could not immediately say what would happen to offenders who don't pay the fine and have no money.

SUSPENDING BUS FARES

The free bus rides measure, proposed by council chairwoman Barbara Marshall, would allow the suspension of fares some time in the future if the city's annual budget can still be balanced.

Marshall said such a plan could dramatically boost public transit ridership and relieve traffic congestion.

Suspending all fares would cost about $44 million in lost revenue for one year, according to acting city transportation director Wayne Yoshioka.

"We appreciate efforts to increase ridership on the buses, but we're concerned about the financial impact," he said.

Increased ridership would require the city to provide more buses, drivers and maintenance facilities, he said.

Some tour bus and taxi operators have lobbied against the plan.

If the enabling legislation is approved, it wouldn't require that all fares be suspended at once. Several council members said the city should consider offering free rides in specific areas or at specific times to relieve congestion.

The idea might be especially effective in areas where major road repair or construction work causes traffic snarls for months, Councilman Todd Apo said.

Reach Johnny Brannon at jbrannon@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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