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De-Occupy Honolulu protestors move to Honolulu Hale
De-Occupy protesters camp out at Honolulu Hale. Honolulu's mayor couldn't be happier about the move, and in fact set up areas just for activists, but demonstrators said they won't be there long.
De-Occupy tents still line King Street, just like they have for the past year and a half.
Many of the activists have been moved around from place to place, including from the grass to the sidewalk, so you would think some would be glad the city is providing them a place to protest for as long as they want.
"I believe in the right of free speech, but they should protest in front of the State Capitol, Honolulu Hale or the federal building depending on what they are protesting," said Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell.
Many of the protestors don't want their message roped into just one spot and plan on continuing their demonstrations at parks like Thomas Square.
"The first amendment says the whole area is a free speech zone," said Blade Walsh, a community activist.
Free speech is the reason the city set up the demonstration zones. They are part of a settlement from 2006, after activists at Honolulu Hale were arrested for protesting the treatment of Hawaii's homeless.
Hawaii's homeless were also the reason De-Occupy Honolulu members made the move to Honolulu Hale.
"This is really an unconstitutional crackdown on any kind of public activity," said Walsh.
The protesters are challenging a city council bill that will be heard on Wednesday. The measure would allow property on sidewalks to be immediately taken away. A bill some feel, could even turn campers into criminals.
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