Hawaii Senate Bill SR150

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 4/1/22
• Passed: 4/4/22

Caption

Requesting The Hawaii Police Department To Prioritize An Increased Police Presence In Ocean View And Collaborate With The Department Of Accounting And General Services To Conduct A Feasibility Study On Locating A Police Substation In Hawaiian Ocean View Estates.

Impact

If enacted, SR150 would lead to a possible increase in police staffing and patrols in Ocean View, aimed at improving safety and reducing crime rates. Additionally, it would facilitate a feasibility study to determine the best location for a police substation to better serve the community. The result could potentially streamline police operations and enhance community policing efforts in a subdivision that has been overlooked historically regarding police patrolling and resources.

Summary

Senate Resolution 150 requests the Hawaii Police Department to prioritize an increased police presence in Ocean View, a rapidly growing community in Hawaii County, reflecting a rise in crime in the area. Residents have reported various concerns including illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, property crime, and issues with feral dogs. Due to the significant distance from existing police facilities, response times have become a pressing concern, making it imperative for the police to enhance their capacity in the region.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the ongoing debates about resource allocation within the Hawaii Police Department and the effectiveness of Zoom police presence. Some community members may question whether increasing police presence alone is sufficient to address deeper social issues, while others might argue that insufficient police response contributes to crime escalation. There may also be discussions surrounding budgeting and funding for the proposed changes stemming from the feasibility study.