Hawaii Senate Bill SR171

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Complete The Construction Of The Waianae Police Station.

Impact

The resolution recognizes the significant amount of resources already invested in the Waianae Police Station and stresses the importance of operationalizing the facility to support law enforcement efforts in West Oahu. Recent statistics have shown a troubling increase in homicides in this region, which emphasizes the urgency of having a fully-functional police station to assist in reducing crime and enhancing public safety. The commitment from the Mayor and the Honolulu Police Chief to allocate additional resources to the area further supports the resolution's goals.

Summary

Senate Resolution 171 aims to urge the City and County of Honolulu to complete the construction of the Waianae Police Station. Although the physical structure was opened on May 20, 2016, it remains underutilized and not fully operational due to unfinished infrastructure. This resolution highlights the need for an additional six million dollars to finalize the necessary installations for the station to function effectively, which is crucial given the rising crime rates in the West Oahu area.

Contention

Although the resolution does not delve into legislative disagreements, it underscores a broader concern regarding public funding for police infrastructure amidst fluctuating crime rates. It reflects the local government's prioritization of law enforcement facilities as a response to public safety needs. The urgency expressed by lawmakers stems from the recognition that inadequate facilities contribute to under-policing and ineffective law enforcement in areas most affected by crime.