They seem to be everywhere — panhandlers — holding signs, asking for money from drivers at stop lights.

Often, the people asking for money along roadsides are youth groups, hoping you’ll drop money into their fishing nets for their club fundraisers.

That could soon come to a screeching halt.

A proposal by City Council Chair Emeritus Ron Menor — with the title “Relating to Pedestrian Safety,” would forbid panhandling, fundraising, or any commerce along the busiest city streets.

“So for example the bill would prohibit a pedestrian from entering or remaining upon a median or an island, unless in the process of legally crossing the roadway. Again we’re talking about a high-speed, high-traffic roadway.”

A similar proposal was enacted into law in Springfield Missouri a few years ago.

Menor cited Meheula Parkway in Mililani, which is part of his district, as well as Kaneohe Bay Drive in Windward Oahu, and several main streets through Downtown and Urban Honolulu as examples of roadways where such activity would be prohibited.

A vendor selling newspapers alongside a state highway in Kailua was hit by a truck and critically injured in 2011. He recovered and can be seen in his usual spot — but now sells papers from his wheelchair.

“The purpose or intent behind these restrictions is to limit the exposure of pedestrians and motorists to potentially hazardous situations.”

Bobby Lee, president of the Hawaii Fire Fighters Association, says his group was among the first large organizations to fundraise along roadways — but the group halted its roadside “Fill-the-Boot” collection years ago.

“As safe as firefighters are, and as much as we understand safety, we were concerned about safety for our own members and causing a distraction and creating more problems on the road.”

The group now raises funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association — an effort now 65 years old — outside stores at shopping centers and through other means.

Under the proposal, Menor says panhandlers and fundraisers who collect money, as well as drivers who give money, could face consequences.

Menor says there are safer ways to raise funds that don’t endanger pedestrians or drivers.

The proposal still has many steps to go through before it becomes law — and the City Council welcomes public input.

