Hawaii Senate Bill SR195

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Urging The Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Honolulu Police Department, And Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney's Office To Collaborate With Local Businesses And Community Partners To Implement Safe And Sound Programs In Ewa Beach, Kapolei, And Waianae.

Impact

The proposed implementation of the Safe and Sound programs in the suggested areas is expected to reflect similar levels of success as seen in Waikiki. By fostering cooperation among law enforcement, local businesses, and community members, the resolution aims to create a more secure environment which should consequently lead to enhanced community trust in law enforcement and reduced fear of crime in these regions.

Summary

Senate Resolution 195 urges the Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, along with the Honolulu Police Department and the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney's Office, to collaborate with local businesses and community partners to implement 'Safe and Sound' programs in Ewa Beach, Kapolei, and Waianae. This initiative draws on the success of Waikiki's Safe and Sound program that has been operational since 2022. The Waikiki program witnessed a remarkable reduction in various crime rates, including a 48% decrease in drug and alcohol-related crimes and a 30% drop in burglaries.

Contention

There are potential concerns regarding resource allocation and the definition of success for these programs. Critics of such initiatives may debate whether the success of the Waikiki program can be replicated in different communities with distinct socio-economic challenges. The resolution does not provide a funding mechanism or an accountability framework, which could lead to discussions about the effectiveness and sustainability of these proposed programs in West Oahu's unique neighborhoods.