At a January 6 meeting of members of the Neighborhood Boards from around the island, Mayor Jeremy Harris presented his legislative package. The three main areas addressed were crime, efficient government, and equitable sharing of revenue with the State.
Safe Street
The Mayor informed the board members that last year caused a loss of $54 million in property. One of the problems he cited is the repeat offenders who are released on furlough because of the lack of prison space. As part of his Safe Street Initiative he proposed tightening the penal code and providing more prison space.
In the judicial system, the City and County is responsible for providing the police and prosecutors, and the State for providing judges, the courts, and detention centers. Mayor Harris proposed that the State expand the Waiawa Correctional Facility--an existing 150 acre prison facility--to accommodate up to 300 more inmates. Illustrations of the proposal showed three new building with 100 beds each, and an additional support building. The cost of the expansion would be $1 to $3 million and could be in operation in eight months if the State decided to act on it.
Other proposals included:
Drug smuggling: A law that would make drug smuggling a Class A felony with a mandatory minimum imprisonment of 5 years. The purpose would be to decrease drug smuggling into and out of Hawaii, including inter-island. Drug smuggling would be a separate crime when the same individual is arrested for possession or promoting drugs.
Unauthorized control of propelled vehicles: Citing an increase of auto thefts from 6,727 in 1994, to over 8,000 in 1995, the proposal hopes to close loopholes in existing laws. Persons who have been arrested for driving a stolen vehicle would be required to have express permission of the owner to drive their vehicle. The proposal would also require sentencing for repeat offenders.
Auto theft: Stolen cars are recycled at "chop shops." They are stripped of their parts and vehicle identification numbers are replaced. Law enforcement officials, whose primary responsibility is to conduct vehicle theft investigations, would be allowed to inspect a vehicle or its parts, as a provision of the shop license agreement.
Upgrade HPD's telecommunication system: The City is seeking $5.35 million in State matching funds to complete the HPD telecommunications upgrade. The new equipment and Mobile Data Terminal System would create a statewide communications network for police and public safety personnel. With the data communication system, field officers would be able to access information more readily. The Fire Department, emergency medical services, State and Oahu Civil Defense and other agencies would benefit from the system.
Smart government
By adopting a hiring freeze, the City has reduced its workforce by 6% without laying off workers. At the same time, City workers are becoming more productive. At cabinet meetings the Mayor asks Department heads to show examples of how their departments cut costs and red tape--and deliver improved customer service improvements.
Drivers License: A proposal for legislation would help streamline the drivers' license process by extending the period of time a driver's license is valid. Extending the valid period from four years to six years for drivers between the ages of 18 to 69, would greatly cut the cost of licensing.
Fair Share
The Mayor acknowledged that the State has its own budget problems. He also pointed out areas where the State gained revenue at the City's expense.
Taxes: The City must pay excise tax to the State, yet the State has exempt itself from paying property tax to the City. Public utilities also do not pay property tax to the City, but pay a tax to the State. The City does collect a 2.5% franchise tax from the electric and gas utilities, but not from the telephone company.
Tickets: City police issue tickets. The fines go to the State.
Immunization: Currently State laws provide to the State and to hotels immunity from lawsuits by injured beachgoers. The City would like similar immunity.
The Mayor also sought input from Neighborhood Boards and communities on where to place highest priorities for the Capital Improvement Budget. In his state of the City address to the City Council, Mayor Harris announced plans to budget funds for hiring 240 additional patrol officers and 123 new police squad cars.
A representative of the City will attend the February 12 meeting of the Waimanalo Neighborhood Board to explain and answer questions concerning the Mayor's Legislative package. The Mayor is seeking the support of the Neighborhood Boards in lobbying for these measures.