Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SR34

Introduced
3/7/23  
Refer
3/9/23  
Report Pass
4/4/23  

Caption

Requesting The Honolulu Police Department, In Conjunction With The Department Of Education, To Establish And Operate A Junior Police Program At Department Of Education High Schools.

Impact

If implemented, this program would provide high school students with insight into police operations and encourage them to consider careers in law enforcement. By exposing young individuals to the responsibilities and challenges faced by police officers, the program is intended to boost recruitment efforts in an environment where less than five percent of candidates who take the police entrance exam become recruits. Ultimately, this initiative could lead to a stronger relationship between law enforcement and the community, as more officers will be able to better serve and engage with residents once the recruiting challenges are addressed.

Summary

Senate Resolution 34 requests the Honolulu Police Department to establish and operate a Junior Police Program at Department of Education high schools. The resolution is a response to the chronic staffing shortage faced by the Honolulu Police Department, which currently has a significant number of vacancies and is unable to maintain adequate patrol staffing on certain shifts, particularly in high-density areas such as Downtown Honolulu. The intention of the Junior Police Program is to foster interest in law enforcement careers among high school students, thereby expanding the pool of future police recruits who meet the department's rigorous selection criteria.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SR34 appears to be supportive among legislators, particularly those focused on public safety and community engagement. The initiative is seen as a proactive approach to solving the staffing shortage issue while simultaneously strengthening community ties. However, there may be contention regarding the effectiveness of such programs in truly addressing the complex issues of recruitment and community relations, with some skeptics questioning whether the program can produce the desired outcome of qualified recruits or whether it simply serves as a temporary solution.

Contention

The resolution highlights broader issues within the Honolulu Police Department, including concerns about the recruitment process and the community's need for law enforcement officers who understand and connect with local issues. There may be debates around balancing traditional recruitment methods with innovative youth engagement programs, such as this junior police initiative. Key topics of contention could arise regarding resource allocation, the actual engagement of youth in the program, and assurances that the quality and standards of police recruits are not compromised.

Companion Bills

HI SCR40

Same As Requesting The Honolulu Police Department, In Conjunction With The Department Of Education, To Establish And Operate A Junior Police Program At Department Of Education High Schools.

Previously Filed As

HI SB452

Relating To Police.

HI SR78

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Partnership With The Department Of Education, To Produce A Plan For Adhering To School Counselor Best Practices.

HI SCR189

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study To Determine The Implementation And Standards Of Various Sexual Health Education Policies Within The Department Of Education.

HI HCR222

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study To Examine The Implementation And Standards Of Various Sexual Health Education Policies Within The Department Of Education.

HI HR202

Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Conduct A Study To Examine The Implementation And Standards Of Various Sexual Health Education Policies Within The Department Of Education.

HI SCR98

Requesting The Department Of Education To Partner With The Hawaii State Teachers Association And Teacher Education Programs At Local Universities And Colleges To Provide Pathways For School Support Personnel To Become Full-time Teachers.

HI SR42

Requesting The Department Of Education To Convene The Erin's Law Task Force.

HI SR74

Requesting The Department Of Education To Conduct A Wellness Visit For Any Child Who Has Been Removed From A Department Of Education School To Be Homeschooled.

HI SCR92

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Partnership With The Department Of Education, To Produce A Plan For Adhering To School Counselor Best Practices.

HI HCR190

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Partnership With The Department Of Education, To Produce A Plan For Adhering To School Counselor Best Practices.

Similar Bills

HI HR94

Urging The Honolulu City Council To Review Its Ordinance On Chickens, Investigate The Ordinance's Role In Contributing To The Growing Population Of Feral Chickens, And Take Action To Reduce The Growing Problem Of Feral Chickens.

HI HCR99

Urging The Honolulu City Council To Review Its Ordinance On Chickens, Investigate The Ordinance's Role In Contributing To The Growing Population Of Feral Chickens, And Take Action To Reduce The Growing Problem Of Feral Chickens.

HI HR111

Urging The Honolulu City Council To Fund The Core Services For The People Of Oahu Before Funding The Rail With Its New Hotel Room Tax.

HI SR113

Urging The Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Honolulu City Council, And Honolulu Authority For Rapid Transportation To Find A Means To Fund The Construction Of The Park-and-ride Garage At Waiawa Station And Urging The Department Of Transportation Services Of The City And County Of Honolulu To Establish Additional Transit Services Between Central Oahu And Waiawa Station.

HI SR195

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.

HI SCR220

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.

HI SR31

Urging The Department Of Planning And Permitting Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, And The Honolulu City Council To Ensure Greater Public Input Prior To The Construction Of Wind Machines Having A Rated Capacity Of Up To One Hundred Kilowatts.

HI SCR36

Urging The Department Of Planning And Permitting Of The City And County Of Honolulu, Mayor Of The City And County Of Honolulu, And The Honolulu City Council To Ensure Greater Public Input Prior To The Construction Of Wind Machines Having A Rated Capacity Of Up To One Hundred Kilowatts.