ACLU - Hawaii Executive Director, Salmah Rizvi, was cited in Sunday’s Star-Advertiser, advocating for constitutional protections for our houseless neighbors by stating that “Allowing a police officer to gain control over a person because of a perceived mental disability, even if that disability poses a risk to oneself or others, may plausibly violate the Fourth Amendment and pose other infringements on liberty, due process, and privacy.”
“While Senate Bill 3139 attempts to create community solutions, the Bill inherently contravenes principles of human dignity and autonomy. Research has shown that police presence can exacerbate one’s mental health state and negatively impact our vulnerable neighbors, already suffering from houselessness, poverty, and trauma. Those in need of support are best served when offered consent, empathy, and a calm, safe environment for rehabilitation. Lastly, I oppose efforts to funnel persons with disabilities and neurodivergence into jails and mental health facilities simply to hide them from the public view to satiate tourists and property owners.”
Link to full story here: https://www.staradvertiser.com/2024/05/27/hawaii-news/hawaii-homeless-with-mental-issues-could-be-assessed-involuntarily/