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Crime rate in 1999
lowest since ’75, but
rises in 2000

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Associated Press

The number of crimes in Hawaii per capita last year dropped 9.5 percent from the year before and was the lowest since a statewide crime count began in 1975, according to a new state report.

The annual uniform crime report from the state attorney general's office yesterday said the 1999 crime index was 33.2 percent below the 15-year peak set in 1995.

"While there is never a single, clear explanation for fluctuations in the crime rate, efforts made in the criminal justice system and especially in the community should be applauded," said Attorney General Earl Anzai.

The state report, however, comes on the heels of an FBI report of a nearly 11 percent increase in serious crime in Honolulu in the first six months of this year compared to the same period last year.

Anzai's office acknowledged the recent rise in the crime rate and said that is expected to be reflected in a state report to be out next month on the first half of 2000.

"Crime in Hawaii has decreased to such unprecedented low levels during the last four years that it has to bottom out sooner or later," said Paul Perrone, chief of research and statistics and director of the state Uniform Crime Reporting Program. "As so many record lows were set in 1999, it may prove to be a leveling-off point."

The state report showed a 5 percent drop in violent crime in 1999, a 10 percent drop in property crime, and a 16 percent drop in arrests.

Hawaii County led the state with a 14 percent decrease in its crime rate, reaching its lowest point in the 25 years the statewide information has been collected.

The Big Island's per capita rate was 4,084 crimes reported per 100,000 residents. Statewide, the rate was 4,835 offenses per 100,000.

Oahu's and Kauai's crime rate dropped 9 percent while Maui County's rate declined 6.5 percent.

Of the 2,431 violent crimes reported statewide in 1999, 75 percent were committed with hands and feet; 15 percent with weapons such as blunt objects; 11 percent with firearms; and 10 percent with edged weapons, the report said.

The year saw 254 assaults on police officers, making it the third consecutive record low since 1975.