HPD wants to build citizen army to reduce crime in Waikiki

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Amid the crowds in Waikiki, efforts are underway to create a crime-fighting army.

HPD is reinstating its citizen patrols in Waikiki this Saturday in hopes of engaging more residents and businesses in public safety.

And the officials have a new partner at their side.

“We want the citizens, the community, to feel again that we are all working together,” said Major James Slayter, commander of HPD’s 6th District.

Slayter enlisted the help of the nonprofit Waikiki Business Improvement District Association (WBID) – known for its bright yellow-shirted Aloha Ambassadors who help tourists and keep the area clean.

The weekly citizen patrols were never canceled, but Slayter said participation dropped to two residents. He said the new patrols would be scheduled to accommodate more volunteers, and patrol routes would be diversified to include more residential streets, not just Kalakaua Avenue.

WBID said it is stepping up its efforts to address the widespread shortage of police officers.

“I think we need more police officers on the streets,” said Trevor Abarzua, president and CEO of WBID. “Here in Waikiki, we have 30 fewer police officers than we had before COVID.”

“So we're trying to complement that with more safety ambassadors and aloha ambassadors. But again, it's a big problem and we need more police officers in uniform and on the streets,” he added.

Abarzua said WBID also has a doctor and a social worker who deal with homelessness, mental illness and addiction.

In July, a one-year pilot program was launched that provides 24/7 coverage from Waikiki Beach with staff who have lived on the streets themselves.

“We have two safety officers who go out and help clear the beach when the park is closed. And then we have an outreach ambassador who reaches out to the homeless and people with severe mental illness,” he said.

Slayter said overall crime has declined over the past two years due to the Safe and Sound program, but there have been spikes in certain categories such as theft and property crimes.

This Saturday, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and other leaders will participate in the relaunch of the Citizen Patrol at 9 a.m. on the lawn next to the parking lot at the corner of Monsarrat and Paki Avenues.

The aim is to inform and empower citizens and businesses and to familiarise young officials with the people they serve.

“They're actually helping to fight crime and help us make Waikiki better,” Slayter said. “I'll take an army, OK, the more the merrier.”

It will take some time to build, but for now this is a step in the right direction.

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