Despite concerns raised about free expression, the City Council yesterday passed three bills designed to give Honolulu police tools to deal with large-scale protests expected during the Asian Development Bank conference. Leaders from 60 nations are scheduled to gather May 7-11 at the Hawai'i Convention Center.
Critics say the bank's policies exploit the poor and harm the environment.
Opponents testified yesterday that they feared the measures would be an unjustified curb on free expression and could create more tension during the conference. Ban the wearing of masks or disguises in the commission of a crime. The money will help defray costs for riot gear and other equipment police officials say they need to cope with the conference. The Honolulu Advertiser, a division of Gannett Co .