(BIVN) – Local lawmakers are empowering police to cite and remove vehicles with windows that are tinted too dark.

The Hawaiʻi County Council is considering Bill 67, which amends “Aliyah’s Law” by adding that vehicles with window glazing that is not in compliance with State law and that are parked or operating on public highways may be cited and removed at the registered owner’s expense.

The bill was introduced by Councilwoman Sue Lee Loy, who called it “a new tool in our tool belt, especially for our police officers.”

The County Council Committee on Public Works and Mass Transit heard Bill 67 on Tuesday, May 7, and advanced the measure with a positive recommendation.

“The discussion started with Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth last year,” Lee Loy said, “and more recently there was a news article about vehicle inspectors using what is already an existing tool in our state law to test for tint. This particular bill kind of dovetails into that. All too often, when a vehicle does go for their safety inspection, either it passes or they tint their car after.”

“The safety of other motorists on the road, and as well the officers when they do the traffic stops, is so fairly important,” said Community Policing Officer Matt Lewis. “Being able to see within the vehicle when they make the stop. As a motorist, not being able to see out of the vehicle when operating is another safety aspect, as well.”

Lee Loy said she hoped the measure would compliment the upcoming Police Week. The public is invited to attend formal Police Week ceremonies at the Hilo police station on Monday, May 13, at 10 a.m., and at the Kona police station on Tuesday, May 14, at 10 a.m. Both ceremonies include pre-ceremony entertainment and a tribute to Hawaiʻi County officers who gave their lives in the line of duty, police say.

Bill 67 still needs a full council vote, followed by the signature of Mayor Harry Kim, to become law.