Hawaii Senate Bill SR78

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22
• Report Pass: 3/29/22
• Refer: 3/29/22
• Report Pass: 4/6/22
• Passed: 4/7/22

Caption

Urging The Honolulu Police Department To Allocate Additional Resources To Increase Police Presence On The Waianae Coast And To Create A New Police District For Waianae That Is Separate From Kapolei And ewa.

Impact

The proposed establishment of a new police district is intended to address the unique challenges faced by the Waianae community, especially given its classification as an area with the highest number of murders and aggravated assaults reported in Oahu for the year 2020. By separating Waianae from the current District 8, which encompasses a larger area, the resolution seeks to enhance the focus on local policing needs and improve the responsiveness of law enforcement to the specific concerns of Waianae residents.

Summary

Senate Resolution 78 (SR78) urges the Honolulu Police Department to allocate additional resources to enhance police presence on the Waianae Coast and to create a separate police district for the Waianae area, distinct from the existing combined district that includes Ewa and Kapolei. This resolution reflects growing concerns among local residents and business owners regarding safety and the rising incidence of crime in their communities. It also highlights the historical and cultural significance of Waianae, alongside its rapid population growth, which has increased the demand for public safety resources.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR78 is largely supportive among local communities who have voiced their concerns over safety and crime levels. Many view the resolution as a necessary step to ensure that law enforcement can effectively address their unique circumstances and security needs. Nevertheless, there remains a potential for contention regarding the allocation of resources and the implications of creating a new district, particularly in balancing needs with overall funding and state resources.

Contention

While SR78 addresses the immediate needs for increased police presence and resource allocation, debates may arise around how to effectively implement these changes. Questions regarding funding, staffing for the new district, and the overall management of community policing strategies could lead to discussions about priorities within the broader Honolulu Police Department. This measure's successful enactment would require not only legislative support but also a commitment from law enforcement to improve community relations and address the specific safety concerns raised by Waianae residents.