Three co-owners fined over $230,000 for not complying with removal order
Three co-owners were convicted and fined $230,820 in total, of which $221,820 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts last Friday (January 2) for failing to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123).
The case involved an unauthorised structure with an area of about 7 square metres and a metal frame over the yard; as well as a projecting structure with an area of about 3 sq m, three metal frames and two canvas sheets attached to the external walls of a composite building on Fook Tak Street, Yuen Long. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the owners under section 24(1) of the BO. Failing to comply with the removal order, they were prosecuted by the BD.
A spokesman for the BD said today (January 5), "UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement action against owners who fail to comply with removal orders, including instigation of prosecution, to ensure building and public safety."
Failure to comply with a removal order without reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of up to $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.
The Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts, the Tuen Mun Law Courts Building, Photo source: reference image
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies"
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC (HKETO, Washington DC) presented a four-day film series titled "Hong Kong at the Movies" from March 23 (Washington time) for members of the Washington community, including members of the Federal government of the United States (US), congress, business associations, professional bodies, think tanks, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private sector entities, diplomatic corps, and the local Hong Kong community.
The film series featured some of Hong Kong's most celebrated films, spanning genres from romance and drama to kung fu and science fiction. The event started with a special 25th anniversary screening of Wong Kar-wai's lavish "In the Mood for Love". Other films included Hong Kong's box office smash hit "The Last Dance", Stephen Chow's relentless slapstick comedy "Kung Fu Hustle", and the recent Hong Kong sensation "Back to the Past".
Addressing guests at the film screening, the Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, said that the film series was a good opportunity for the Washington DC community to know more about different facets of Hong Kong and its people through the lens of the film industry. "Hong Kong's creative talents draw us together through arts. The imaginations of our ingenious filmmakers, actors and choreographers have indelibly shaped global popular culture, particularly in the US, thanks to cinematic icons ranging from Bruce Lee to John Woo," Ms Luk said.
Ms Luk added that the film industry is an integral part of Hong Kong's status as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. She said that this year's Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, which coincides with the film series, marks key milestones of two of its founding events: the 30th anniversary of FILMART and the 50th anniversary of the Hong Kong International Film Festival. She noted that these flagship events reflect the creativity, economic influence, and international recognition of Hong Kong's storied entertainment sector. The film series also coincides with Art March, an art month in Hong Kong, bringing together various world-renowned arts and cultural summits, screenings, and performances.
Ms Luk went on to highlight the Government's complementary role in supporting the film industry through various initiatives to nurture talent, enhance production, expand markets, and build audiences.
In addition, to promote Hong Kong's unique food culture, attendees at each film screening were served a variety of Hong Kong street foods and local drinks, bringing Hong Kong cuisine to the taste buds of the Washington community. Attendees of the last screening also enjoyed an exhibition of curated paintings under the theme "Hong Kong food and drinks". The paintings were commissioned by the Social Welfare Department under the Arts Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with various NGOs. The paintings, among other things, exemplify the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's efforts in unleashing the potential of persons with disabilities in artistic activities and their contribution to society. The total "Hong Kong experience" brought by the film series was well regarded by attendees.
The film series ran on March 23, 25, and 30 and April 1 at the AMC Georgetown cinema in Washington DC.
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC hosts "Hong Kong at the Movies" Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
