with nothing better to do

[TomK]

I seriously doubt the police came up with this enforcement idea on their own.

I have no doubt the police didn't come up with this policy, someone is telling them to do something. This is not a big problem and street vendors do not cause the same kind of traffic slowdowns that sign wavers do.

[Or1on]

1.)  "I guess they must have gotten all the drunks off the road and are bored."

You and I both know that even if this was their priority this will never happen.  I mean, even if you were king of the world and had control of the police how would you stop this from happening?  You can't.  People will drink and make stupid decisions. 

2.) "That as well as putting a complete end to the almost daily threats of violence at our schools!"

And this one is impossible!  What, hire hundreds of more police officers to work shifts at the local public schools and mill amongst the students shoulder to shoulder?  Hah, even that wouldn't work.

I get the point, they could be finding better things to do with their time/ our money.

3.)  "all the vendors in one place where their tax status can be easily audited."

This above is the reason.  Probably many or most don't even have their GE license and aren't paying taxes on what they're selling.  This is super easy for cops to enforce.  Look for em, pull over and give them the warning or issue citation.   Much easier and cheaper for the force to "enforce" than to do # 1 or 2.

Yes, I agree it's stupid and I feel for the vendors.

"I have seen far more politicians and their supporters out in the road, slowing traffic, distracting drivers than any vendor ever does."

I can't stand that time of year when this happens.  Trying to force you to take your eyes off the road and wave.  Something so innocent and benign as a wave?  One person slows down then the next and next and a chain reaction.  Back of the "train" comes to a complete stop.  Yes it is dangerous but they don't care if it gets them an extra vote or two.  Can you sue the politicians waving if you get rear-ended in an accident as a result?

[terracore]

2.) "That as well as putting a complete end to the almost daily threats of violence at our schools!"

The Hawaii public school system has 258 schools and 6,000 administrators. The administer to teacher ratio is higher than the national average. I imagine if they cut administration by only 10% and diverted the FTE to security personnel it would give the teachers more support towards doing their jobs than the additional 600 administrators breathing down their necks.

[offgridguy]

Consider that a farmers' market collects rent and keeps all the vendors in one place where their tax status can be easily audited.

It's not about "safety" at all.

As always on the BI, it's a case of follow the money so that it safely reaches it's preferred destination.

[HiloJulie]

You would think that the County could fill all open positions but even the people who run the background checks are an open position!

I wonder if that is a coincidence or by design?

At any event, let’s enforce street vendors!

https://www.khon2.com/local-news/big-isl...ement/amp/