Hawaii House Bill HCR157

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/14/22
• Report Pass: 3/29/22
• Engrossed: 3/29/22
• Refer: 3/30/22
• Report Pass: 4/22/22
• Refer: 4/22/22
• Passed: 4/25/22

Caption

Urging The Allocation Of Additional Resources To Increase Police Presence On The Waianae Coast And The Creation Of A New Police District For Waianae That Is Separate From Kapolei And ewa.

Impact

The resolution underscores substantial concerns regarding criminal activity in the Waianae area, which reported the highest number of murders and aggravated assaults in 2020 within the Honolulu Police Department's District 8. Advocates of HCR157 argue that creating a distinct police district and enhancing community policing efforts would enable local law enforcement to respond more effectively to crime, promote crime prevention, and foster a safer environment. Moreover, the resolution aims to address public demands for a more visible police presence to deter crime and assist victims in a timely manner.

Summary

HCR157 is a House Concurrent Resolution introduced in the Thirty-first Legislature of Hawaii, which calls for the allocation of additional resources aimed at increasing police presence on the Waianae Coast of Oahu. It proposes the establishment of a new police district specifically for Waianae, separate from the districts encompassing Kapolei and Ewa. The resolution highlights the significant growth in population and the corresponding need for enhanced public safety measures in the area, which has seen an increase in crime rates in recent years. This initiative stresses the importance of law enforcement support to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.

Contention

Despite broad support for enhanced policing resources, discussions surrounding HCR157 may involve differing perspectives on law enforcement's role in community safety. Some residents might express concerns regarding the implications of increased police presence, particularly in terms of community relations and potential militarization of the police. Nonetheless, the bill reflects a general consensus on the necessity for greater safety measures and the increasing pressures faced by local law enforcement in managing crime effectively. The resolution calls for an urgent response to the needs of a growing population in Waianae, advocating for a more tailored approach to law enforcement.