Kailua Plant Thefts Prompt Bill Proposal
By MidWeek Staff
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Complaints about plant theft in Kailua have inspired a proposed bill to provide monetary compensation to property owners who are victims of the thefts.
State Rep. Cynthia Thielen has introduced HB12, a measure that would require anyone convicted of theft of an agricultural product or commodity to pay the owner the value of the stolen product plus all replanting costs.
The thefts not only have economic impact for the owner but take away from the district’s natural beauty, Thielen said.
“Unfortunately, thefts of expensive plants not only are costly to replace but ruin private and public landscaping. Kailua is a beautiful town,” she added, “filled with a variety of plants and flowers which add to the ambiance of our beachside community. Plants that are stolen not only need to be replaced at substantial cost to the property owner, but take time to grow to their previous maturity.”
The bill was filed Jan. 19 and is co-sponsored by Windward lawmakers Chris Lee, Gil Riviere and Big Island Rep. Clift Tsuji.A hearing has yet to be scheduled.
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