Hawaii Senate Bill SR73

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 4/2/24
• Passed: 4/3/24

Caption

Urging The Department Of Hawaiian Home Lands To Adopt And Implement A Neighborhood Security Watch In Each Homestead Area.

Impact

The adoption of a Neighborhood Security Watch program is expected to significantly enhance community safety and cohesion in homestead areas. If implemented, the NSW would allow residents to collaborate effectively with law enforcement, focus on crime prevention, and actively work to resolve issues that affect their neighborhoods. The resolution points to a successful example from the Kanehili Homestead, where the local Nigeria NSW significantly reduced crime rates and addressed various community concerns through proactive efforts. This could serve as a model for other areas to follow.

Summary

Senate Resolution 73 (SR73) urges the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to adopt and implement a Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW) program in each homestead area of Hawaii. The resolution highlights a report of increasing illegal activities within these homestead areas, largely attributed to inconsistent responses from law enforcement and a lack of timely action from the Department. This has led to concerns among homesteaders about their safety and prompted them to take initiative in protecting their communities through the formation of volunteer organizations.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding SR73 is the previous inaction of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands regarding crime in homestead areas. Critics may argue that the resolution aims to transfer the burden of community safety onto residents without providing sufficient resources or authority to effectively deal with the problems. Additionally, the intricacies of jurisdiction and law enforcement access to homestead lands add a layer of complexity to the proposal. Ensuring that law enforcement is adequately authorized to respond in a timely manner remains an essential element for the success of any Neighborhood Security Watch initiative.