New laws that prohibit unauthorized tents and shopping carts in city parks are now official. Mayor Mufi Hannemann on Wednesday signed the two bills into law and police will begin enforcing the restrictions on April 19.

The new law bans tents with walls in city parks unless authorized by camping permits or other park permits. This means that tents will no longer be allowed at Kapiolani Park unless authorized for special permitted events.

Temporary canopies that are commonly used in parks to create shade for picnics and sporting events will still be allowed.

More information about camping regulations, including a list of city parks where camping is allowed with permits, is available at www.honolulu.gov/parks/camping.htm.

The City Council on March 17 also prohibited shopping carts in city parks. Hannemann said shopping carts do not belong in parks, where they create obstructions and unnecessary clutter, and damage grass and landscaping.

City agencies will post information about the rules in parks, and officials and service providers will provide information to park users before enforcement begins. Police will also give warnings of the potential violations, and may begin issuing citations on April 19. Violators may be subject to fines of up to $500, imprisonment of up to 30 days or both.