UH-Manoa steps up
security after sex assaults
The University of Hawaii is providing security escorts for students and staff after seven sexual assaults on females were reported at the Manoa campus so far this year.
Officials plan to hire four student security assistants, one of whom has already started working the night shift, to escort people on campus, said spokesman Jim Manke.
Student security assistants will work from 3 to 11 p.m.
Of the seven sexual assaults, five occurred in the current semester, Manke said. Three of the five sexual assaults that occurred in the semester involved acquaintances, he said.
According to UH crime statistics, seven sexual assaults occurred on campus last year, while five occurred each in 2001 and 2000.
Officials are also looking into adding more night shuttles and lighting on campus and between residential halls, Manke said.
Within the past couple of months, three small electrical vehicles were added, enabling campus security officers to cover the campus and move more quickly between buildings.
Manke reminded students that 70 call boxes are available throughout the campus to contact security directly.
"Our campus escort service has been always available. ... The person can push the button and be automatically connected to security and can request an escort," he said.
Interim Housing Director Margit Misangyi Watts said she hopes to add more security when a 24-hour resource and study center opens in January. People should call campus security at 956-6911 to arrange for escorts.
Fliers were posted at the dormitories reminding students to be aware of their surroundings.
Some students said they have become more cautious after hearing about a recent sexual assault.
At 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7, a female student was sexually assaulted at the large parking structure on Lower Campus Road. The student was on her way back to her dorm from the athletic complex when three unknown males called her over to the edge of the parking structure. Two men restrained her while the third man sexually assaulted her, Manke said.
"It was a reality check for us women who walk in dark places," said UH sophomore Alana Power, 19, who lives at the Hale Wainani dorms.
Power, a member of the UH Rainbow Wahine softball team, said she normally walks back to her dorm every night with at least three of her teammates.
"I'm a lot more cautious, definitely a lot more cautious. ... It's a shock how many have happened in the past year."
Junior Teani Buchner, 20, who lives at the Hale Noelani dorms, said, "Me and my friends have been sticking together more often."
