THE Honiara City Council’s (HCC) tint ban operation ‘Rausim tint’ which started in November 2024 is still in place and is progressing very well, this is according to the City Clerk Justice Denni.
Mr Denni told Solomon Star that since Operation Rausim Tint started, the HCC Law Enforcement Division, with the support of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) dealt with more than 300 public service vehicles – taxis, buses and pick-up trucks.
He said most owners and drivers of public transport vehicles agreed with the tint ban and cooperated with Law Enforcement Officers in voluntarily removing tints from their vehicle and HCC highly appreciated them for their understanding and cooperation.
On the other hand, Mr Denni said seven people have so far been arrested and charged for refusing to remove tints from their public transport vehicles voluntarily and appeared at the Central Magistrate Court on Thursday 16 January.
He said five of the seven pleaded guilty in court on the first instance, whilst two who initially entered into no guilty plea, later pleaded guilty.
Mr Denni said all seven persons have been fined with the minimum of $300 as these were their first offence under the approved HCC Ordinance.
He said the fines will increase proportionately if these seven persons are re-arrested and charged with the same offense.
“The seven persons must remove tints on their vehicles,” Mr Denni added.
One of the representatives of the public transport service providers during their strike late last year over the tint ban told Solomon Star that they have hired private lawyer Lazarus Kwaiga of L&L Lawyers to challenge the legality of the ban.
Mr Denni declined to comment on the case.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
