COM 0140.005 2002-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

INTRODUCTION For many years West Hawaii Crime Stoppers have tried unsuccessfully to have the County of Hawaii and the Police Department embrace the concept of using marked police cars and introducing same as against the present subsidized private vehicles used. WHCS began a drive just over a year ago with the, then, Chief James S. Correa, to study the possibility but received no support and could not obtain the necessary figures in order to check the feasibility of the project. Upon the resignation of Chief Correa and the appointment of Lawrence K. Mahuna as Acting Chief, we requested through Council member Curtis Tyler the relevant figures. These were supplied in October, 2002 and since that date WHCS has through articles in the West Hawaii Today and the Hawaii Journal pursued this project very actively. We recognize the purchase of a fleet of marked police cars represents a large expenditure for any law enforcement agency but when it can be proven this would save the county money then it must be considered. Many mainland police departments can be checked to obtain operating figures and also evaluations are available covering every type of automobile available with the police package. It appears there is opposition in the Hawaii County Police department to even consider a study of the facts and this basically is the reason WHCS has completed this very short study. The Board of Directors includes retired law enforcement officers with a great deal of experience in the planning, selection of both automobiles and equipment for same. We consider it essential the County of Hawaii realize that times have changed and it is now time to move into the 21st century. With the increase in population, traffic and crime it is essential we have the necessary: "Police Visibility" particularly in West Hawaii. Public Safety is a must in every community and the fact that few residents write to the press or even attend public hearings does not mean in any way, they are not interested. West Hawaii Crime Stoppers not only runs the program to help solve crime and fund raise to pay the necessary rewards but are also very concerned with public safety. Unfortunately we still see the police administration finding excuses and making statements to the effect that a fleet of marked police cars is too expensive without studying the figures, already supplied and asking the necessary questions to move forward. We urge all concerned in these days of restricted budgets to examine all ideas submitted in order to not only reduce expenditure but also to ensure a better operation. This is the duty of both public servants, and the public who most provide input. (1)