The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) is set to enhance media access to critical information during public safety incidents through a new media crime alert system. This initiative aims to ensure timely notifications regarding in-progress incidents, facilitating rapid dissemination of information to the public during emergencies. The proposed legislation, known as Bill 46, will be presented to the full City Council for consideration on November 20, 2023.
Bill 46 mandates that HPD provide limited access to its radio communications, which were previously restricted in 2022 when the department transitioned to a $15 million encrypted communication system. This change was part of a broader national trend towards digital radio systems, enhancing inter-departmental communication but limiting media access. As outlined in the bill, HPD will be required to implement a strategic plan for the timely release of certain public information to the media, ensuring that local news outlets receive pertinent alerts regarding emergencies.
Council Chair Tommy Waters and Council member Augie Tulba initially introduced the bill in May. The legislation specifies that the police chief must develop internal procedures for releasing emergency messaging alerts, which should occur no more than 10 minutes after the information is entered into the HPD communications system. The alerts will include essential details such as street names, incident types, and general descriptions.
The bill emphasizes the importance of media and public access to emergency-related information, especially during critical situations like active shooter incidents or violent crimes. It notes that while information should be shared promptly, HPD must also protect sensitive data related to privacy laws and ongoing investigations.
The Public Safety and Economy Committee reviewed the bill and voted unanimously, with Val Okimoto and Andria Tupola absent, to recommend its passage to the full Council. The measure outlines specific categories of criminal cases allowed for dissemination, which include aggravated assault, bomb threats, homicide, and more.
Under the proposed system, not all media organizations will receive alerts. To qualify, a news outlet must be a professional organization operating within the city, holding a valid broadcast license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or regularly disseminating news to the public. Additionally, media outlets must meet criteria such as being recognized as a legal publication under state law or demonstrating a verifiable history of professional journalism.
During a recent committee meeting, HPD Interim Chief Rade K. Vanic expressed initial support for the bill but later raised concerns about privacy issues. He objected to earlier requirements for annual reporting on media relations, suggesting they would provide limited value. The committee amended the bill to require annual updates summarizing the department’s strategic plan for public information release.
Vanic also provided insights into the beta testing of the alert system, which began on November 5. He confirmed that 16 individuals from major news outlets, including the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, are currently testing the system. The alerts utilize Microsoft Copilot, an artificial intelligence tool, to curate information from the HPD’s computer-aided dispatch system, ensuring that sensitive personal details are omitted.
Vanic highlighted the necessity of a 10-minute delay in sending alerts to allow police to respond to incidents first, ensuring the safety of officers, media personnel, and the public. He stated, “We want to make sure the police get there first to ensure all parties are safe.”
Public commentary during the committee meeting included a critique from Waikiki resident and retired TV reporter John Deutzman, who questioned the city’s authority to designate which media organizations are legitimate. He argued that public information should remain accessible to all, including emerging online platforms.
Support for Bill 46 was also voiced by Jason Hagiwara, General Manager of KITV 4 Island News. He urged Council members to pass the bill, emphasizing its role in facilitating critical information sharing between police and the media.
As the City Council prepares to vote on Bill 46, the proposed media crime alert system represents a significant step towards improving public access to vital information during emergencies, balancing safety concerns with the need for transparency in public communications.
