Cool it, thugs, you’re
on candid camera

By Susan Kreifels
Star-Bulletin

Watch what you do on the streets of Waikiki. Someone is no doubt watching you.

Mayor Jeremy Harris flicked the switch yesterday on six, 360-degree video cameras monitoring Kalakaua Avenue and side streets for crime. Fourteen cameras were turned on in Chinatown as well -- 10 along Hotel Street and four on Pauahi Street.

Yesterday Harris zoomed in on Japanese tourists studying maps of Waikiki and news photographers shooting the new video cameras, but no criminals. Harris and police, however, are sure they'll be spotted soon, and that the cameras will help reduce and deter crime.

The areas were chosen by police for their high crime rates. Signs notify people of the cameras, one of the requirements imposed by the courts and approved by the City Council, Harris said.

Canadian tourist Patti Cunningham said the benefits far outweigh any privacy concerns people may have. "I think it's great," said Cunningham, strolling Waikiki Beach with her husband and two young sons yesterday.

Capt. Karl Godsey, executive officer for the Honolulu Police Department Waikiki District, said the cameras "definitely will help" residents and tourists who are prey for pickpockets, drug dealers and prostitutes. Godsey said one person will always be monitoring and police will be able to react fast.

In Waikiki, all six cameras are monitored on one screen, with another screen switching from camera to camera. Videotapes will be kept for 30 days, Harris said.

The Waikiki project cost $117,000. That includes $3,200 for each camera and $13 per foot for the fiberoptics. Harris hopes to get volunteers to monitor the cameras, but will rely on police or hire civilians if necessary.

Harris said city initiatives to fight soaring crime two years ago have paid off with a 20 percent drop in incidents. Tactics include information kiosks in Waikiki, new lights along Kalakaua Avenue and the Ala Wai, bicycle patrols and new police stations.

Interested volunteers should call the mayor's office at 547-7820.

Camera locations CHINATOWN Hotel Street: Intersections with Fort Street Mall, Nuuanu Avenue and Bethel, Smith, Maunakea, Kekaulike and River streets. Pauahi Street: Intersections with Smith, Maunakea and River streets. WAIKIKI Kalakaua Avenue: Intersections with Royal Hawaiian, Seaside, Kaiulani, Uluniu and Paoakalani avenues and International Market Place.