Bill Text: HI SB2261 | 2012 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Weed and Seed Program; DLIR; Appropriation
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)
Status: (Passed) 2012-07-10 - (S) Act 264, 7/6/2012 (Gov. Msg. No. 1367). [SB2261 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2012-SB2261-Amended.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2261 |
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TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE, 2012 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE WEED AND SEED PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that weed and seed is a program administered by the United States Attorney's Office in partnership with the Young Men's Christian Association of Honolulu. Initiated in the country in 1991, weed and seed is a comprehensive multi-agency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and community revitalization. Although no longer funded by the United States Department of Justice, weed and seed is a recognized "brand name" in Hawaii, having been in existence since 1998. The legislature finds that it is a robust program, doing substantial good in our communities.
The weed and seed program is a collaborative effort among law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and county levels; social service agencies; private businesses; faith-based organizations; the public sector, including city, state, and federal departments; schools; nonprofit organizations; and residents to reclaim, restore, and rebuild communities. The four key elements of the weed and seed program are:
(1) Law enforcement;
(2) Community policing;
(3) Prevention, intervention, and treatment programs; and
(4) Neighborhood restoration.
The weed and seed program works with local law enforcement to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in targeted neighborhoods by "weeding" out the criminal element in the community. Community policing involves having police officers work closely with community residents to develop solutions to violent and drug-related crimes. "Seeding" the community involves collaboration among various human services organizations to implement prevention, intervention and treatment, and neighborhood revitalization projects, programs, and activities.
The legislature also finds that the State has benefited greatly from weed and seed, based on programs at sites on Oahu that encompass Kalihi-Palama, Chinatown, Downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana, Sheridan, McCully, Waipahu, and Ewa Beach. Since the implementation of the program, crime in those areas has decreased significantly. The legislature further finds that the program's success warrants the continued operation of weed and seed in these communities, and envisions expanding it to other communities in the future.
The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds to maintain current operations of the weed and seed program.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $336,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2012-2013 to maintain the current operation of the weed and seed program in areas currently designated for the weed and seed program.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of labor and industrial relations for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2012.
Report Title:
Weed and Seed Program; DLIR; Appropriation
Description:
Makes an appropriation for the Weed and Seed Program for fiscal year 2012-2013 to maintain the current operation of the Program in areas currently designated for the Program. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
