Worried that urinating and defecating in public “frightens and offends” many people, House Bill 2607 would penalize the habit.

A violation would be punishable by up to 40 hours of community service work or a fine of not more than $200.

“These behaviors also create a public health risk because of the spread of diseases and other health hazards stemming from human waste,” according to the proposed legislation. “Such concerns and the smell associated with public urination and defecation discourage people from patronizing establishments located in business districts.”

HB 2607, which has a hearing Wednesday at the Capitol, was introduced by Rep. Tom Brower of Waikiki and Ala Moana and has the support of more than 25 other House legislators.

It’s not the first time that state lawmakers have tried to crack down on relieving one’s self in public. A similar law limited to the downtown Honolulu area was repealed in 2016.

If approved, the new law would not apply to people who fail to use a restroom or other toilet facility “because of a medical condition verified by a licensed physician.”