STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2113

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 3211

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2022

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 3211 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC SAFETY IN RURAL DISTRICTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate funds to the County of Hawaii for the plans, design, and construction of a police substation to serve the Hawaii Ocean View Estates community.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from Aloha Animal Advocates, Ocean View Community Association, and ten individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Budget and Finance.

Your Committee finds that Hawaiian Ocean View Estates, Hawaii, is one of the fastest-growing subdivisions in the United States. The steep growth in population has corresponded with a rise in crime, with many residents reporting concerns of illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, property crime, and feral dog attacks. The Hawaii Police Department currently operates out of a police office in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision. However, the Hawaii Police Department cannot process or book arrestees at the existing office, and the closest Hawaii Police Department substation capable of booking and processing is located over fourteen miles away in Naalehu. After an arrestee is detained and booked, they are then transported to the Hilo or Kona police stations for holding. The sheer distance between Hawaii Police Department facilities on Hawaii island has resulted in lengthy response times for Hawaii Police Department service in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates. Your Committee believes that the Hawaii Police Department's presence in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates must be expanded to appropriately respond to reports of crime in the area. This measure will assist the State in reducing crime and protecting the residents of Hawaiian Ocean View Estates by appropriating funds to the County of Hawaii for the plans, design, and construction of a police substation to serve the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates community.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3211 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental, and Military Affairs,

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CLARENCE K. NISHIHARA, Chair