HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT (HPD)

January 2021 – December 2023

1. CHINATOWN LAW ENFORCEMENT TASK FORCE The Chinatown Law Enforcement Task Force was created to address community concerns, such as homelessness, crimes against persons and illegal drug use, and to lower the overall crime rate in the downtown area. Task force officers also provide outreach services for homeless individuals. Crime in Chinatown has decreased in most categories, the number of homeless individuals in Chinatown has been reduced, and the overall feeling from business owners has been positive. District 1 (Chinatown) – Sector 1*
2. WAIKĪKĪ SAFE AND SOUND Modeled after the federal Weed and Seed program, Safe and Sound cleans up and beautifies areas plagued by crime, chronic offenders/violators and homelessness. A collaborative effort between HPD, the Prosecutor’s Office, the Waikīkī Business Improvement District Association HPD, other city agencies and Waikīkī residents. Safe and Sound has made a demonstrable difference in a clean and safe Waikīkī. From September 6, 2022 to December 14, 2023, there were 249 active geographical restrictions. During this same time frame, there were 551 documented geographical restriction violations. There were also approximately 272 felony arrests and 2,062 misdemeanors or petty misdemeanor arrests. From January 1 to November 1, 2023, the following occurred: Residents and the Waikīkī Business Improvement District Association reported the following:
   1. Decrease in homeless spots (Kūhiō Beach Park Pavilions and picnic tables and St. Augustine Church);
   2. Noticeable difference in chronic offenders being arrested, charged, and convicted incarcerated; and
   3. More tourists utilize the picnic tables once occupied by the homeless.
   As a result of the enforcement and increased prosecution and conviction and geographical restrictions being issued, beautification and improvement projects have been implemented:
   1. Pavilions now being used for businesses like surfboard rentals, concessions, Biki bikes, etc.);
   2. Replanting of grass and plants in areas that were once occupied by the homeless; and
   3. Areas once occupied by the homeless and other criminal elements are now being maintained on a continuous and consistent basis
3. ILLEGAL GAME ROOM COMPLAINTS AND CLOSURES To combat the constant shutdowns and reopenings of illegal game rooms across O‘ahu, the Narcotics/Vice Division’s (NVD) Gambling and Forfeiture Details have built partnerships with the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other agencies to keep a close watch on suspected properties. HSI assists with Nuisance Abatement services which increases the potential for forfeiture of properties involved. The following are Nuisance Abatement statistics. These partnerships and efforts have resulted in the closing of over 360 complaints, execution of nearly 115 search warrants, and service of almost 80 Nuisance Abatements over the past three years.
4. KANOA STREET CLEANUP (KALIHI) Prior to 2022, the Kalihi Palama community had many complaints about the homelessness situation on Kanoa Street between Banyan and Palama Streets. The street was known for homelessness, drug use, drug dealings and other criminal activity. The City and HPD would conduct Stored Property Ordinance and Sidewalk Nuisance Ordinance clean-ups. However, the homeless would move out for a short period and return when the City agencies left and continued their regular activities. HPD receives numerous complaints from residents, State legislators and City Council members. Through a dedicated and concerted effort with the City’s Department of Facility Maintenance and Department of Transportation Services, and with assistance from Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam’s office, Kanoa Street was revitalized and “given” back to the community. The homeless have stayed away from the area and complaints about Kanoa Street are considerably reduced.
5. CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON LICENSES Chapter 15, Firearms, Permits and Licenses, was updated due to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling regarding the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, Inc., versus Bruen. The ruling extended a person’s Second Amendment right to bear arms beyond their home. The revision to the Rules of the Chief outlines procedures to acquire a firearm, register a firearm and obtain a license to carry a firearm with regard to the newly enacted laws. The revised Rules of the Chief balances the Second Amendment and the concerns from the community regarding gun violence. Since November 2022, when the Bruen ruling was issued, the HPD Records and Identification Division’s Firearms Unit has processed and issued 1,156 Licenses to Carry applications for 1,635 firearms.
6. WEED AND SEED The Weed and Seed Initiative in District 8 was expanded to include selected zones in Kalaeloa and ʻEwa. This initiative allows for higher bail and expedited hearings of felony and misdemeanor arrests made within those designated weed and seed zones, to include possible future geographical restrictions of the offender from the zone area. In four months, there were 39 arrests in the area and the program helped to reduce felony and misdemeanor cases by thirty-six percent (36%).
7. METHAMPHETAMINE PURITY TESTING In 2023, the Scientific Investigation Section (SIS) obtained accreditation in the area of methamphetamine purity testing. This is an integral component of federal prosecutions, as individuals possessing high-purity methamphetamine can receive longer prison sentences. Investigators also utilize purity information as intelligence for trafficking cases. This year, SIS assisted with a federal bust that seized 300 pounds of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $11 million.
8. RECRUITMENT INITIATIVES As part of ongoing efforts to fill sworn personnel vacancies, the HPD brought back its police cadet program, an apprenticeship program that provides police training and practical work experience in preparation to become an HPD recruit. The program targets young adults and others interested in law enforcement. An internship pathways program was also created for college students, allowing seniors to become police recruits during their last semester of college. The department also hired its first lateral transfer officer and is currently evaluating additional applicants from other jurisdictions. Over the past three years between 2021 through 2023, the HPD has held nearly 240 recruitment-related events.
9. SEXUAL ASSAULT KIT TESTING Effective July 1, 2023, the Hawaiʻi State Legislature enacted a 90-day turnaround time requirement for sexual assault kits (SAK). Since then, the SIS has been able to maintain a 55-day turnaround time for the SAK, which is well below the legislative mandate. This expedited time enhances the criminal justice response to sexual assault and ensures justice for victims.
10. WEBSITE IMPROVEMENTS A crime statistics dashboard was created at the request of the Police Commission. The Criminal Investigation Division highlights, previously only available at the Alapai security post, are now available online as is a database to look up stolen bicycles.
11. CRIME STOPPERS HONOLULU Crime Stoppers Honolulu expanded its tip line to include animal and elder abuse cases. This led to an increase in the amount of anonymous tips, which led to more arrests and cases involving animals and the elderly getting solved.
12. POLICE ACTIVITIES LEAGUE – HULA In 2022, the Police Activities League added hula to its list of activities. The 27 dancers, ages 2 to 17, perform at events across O‘ahu and promote positive interaction with the community. They have also volunteered to build the foundation for a new taro patch at Luluku Farm in Kāneʻohe and have cleaned up the ancient Paʻaihau fish ponds in the Pearl Harbor Navy housing area.