Hawaii Senate Bill SCR199

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24

Caption

Urging The Federal, State, And County Governments To Collaborate With Community Leaders And Stakeholders To Support Neighborhood Security Watch Programs In Hawaii.

Impact

The resolution promotes the Neighborhood Security Watch program, a grassroots initiative led by the Honolulu Police Department where trained volunteers conduct security patrols in their communities. By encouraging these programs, the resolution aims to create a collaborative environment that includes law enforcement, community organizations, and local businesses, with the goal of enhancing public safety. Such programs are seen as part of a proactive policing strategy that allows police officers to focus on more critical law enforcement priorities while fostering community engagement and empowerment.

Summary

SCR199 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution introduced in the 2024 legislative session in Hawaii, which urges federal, state, and county governments to collaborate with community leaders and stakeholders to support Neighborhood Security Watch programs. The resolution highlights the escalating crime problems in Hawaii, including domestic violence, substance abuse, and property destruction, which have significant impacts on neighborhoods and schools. It emphasizes the involvement of local police departments as first responders to various emergency situations, which is compounded by staffing shortages.

Contention

While the resolution is primarily supportive of local initiatives to enhance safety, there could be contention surrounding the funding and resources required to implement and sustain these programs effectively. Critics may question the efficacy of volunteer-led patrols in effectively addressing complex crime issues, while supporters argue that community engagement is critical in the fight against crime. Furthermore, the resolution does not address any legislative changes or mandates but relies on voluntary collaboration, which may lead to uneven implementation across different communities.