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Kokua Line
June Watanabe
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Police alerted to use ATVs safely at night
Question: Why do police nighttime patrols in all-terrain vehicles drive so fast along Waikiki Beach? The beach Ewa of the Kapahulu groin is often crowded with people stargazing, but police often whiz by people on the beach at 10 to 15 mph. It is also a very narrow stretch of beach and well lit from Kalakaua Avenue. High-speed ATV patrols are fine in the giant, dark expanse of Kapiolani Park but are inappropriate here. Why can't foot patrols from the nearby Waikiki substation be used in this area instead?
Answer: While foot patrols are used during daylight, the Honolulu Police Department does not consider them to be a viable option at night.
They "do not provide a visible presence during the night, they would not be able to respond in a reasonable time for emergencies, and walking the beach in soft sand with 30-plus pounds of gear would be very difficult to do for prolonged periods of time," said HPD Sgt. Craig Uehira, a supervisor of ATV patrols.
ATVs concentrate in Kapiolani Park until sunset, then begin patrolling the beach when it becomes less congested, he said. They generally are in use from 4 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. each day, patrolling the area from Kapiolani Park to the Ala Wai Boat Harbor.
Uehira said they not only provide a police presence, but "allow a quick response in remote areas of Waikiki that are not normally accessible to patrol cars."
They have been effective in deterring violent crimes, such as rapes and robberies, as well as in dealing with beach thefts, liquor violations and illegal camping, he said.
Regarding the speed of travel, Uehira said, "Depending upon the nature of the call, it is necessary for officers to respond to a call at a higher rate of speed."
He added that officers operating ATVs have been trained and certified in operating the vehicles.
Based on your complaint, Uehira said he would relay your concerns to the officers to "ensure that they continue to operate the ATVs in a safe manner."
If you believe the ATVs are not being used safely, call the Waikiki District police station at 529-3361.
Q: Do you have a contact number for the Kam Drive-In Super Swap Meet? I've been calling the number in the phone book, and no one answers. Also, are there any other places to sell secondhand goods besides the Aloha Stadium flea market?
A: The number listed by several sources -- 483-5933 -- is wrong.
Moreover, Consolidated Amusement/Pacific Theatres, which operates the swap meet, was in the process of replacing its phone system, said Linnea Pierson, vice president for Pacific Theatres, based in Los Angeles. "It should be done shortly," she said last week.
We called the number she provided -- 483-5535 -- and it was answered immediately. Information can also be obtained at www.kamswapmeet.com.
Anyone know about other regular swap meets? Call us at 529-4773 and we will let our readers know.
Got a question or complaint? Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210, Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered. E-mail to
kokualine@starbulletin.com.
See also: Useful phone numbers