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Hot cops? Chill out!
Hawaii is hot and so are our police officers, who wear dark blue, wool uniforms. We asked Star-Bulletin readers to design a new uniform for our hard-working public safety officers. We also asked them to be nice, but ... well, you be the judge.
Hawaii's police officers are forced to endure the tropical heat and humidity in dark blue uniforms. It must get pretty uncomfortable, especially for the solo-bike officers.
Our readers were quick to offer their ideas for helping Hawaii cops keep their cool. As with other Brainstorm questions, we aren't trying to force the Honolulu Police Department to change its uniforms. But if the folks at HPD check out our reader's submissions, they could pick up a few good ideas. And who knows? They might even decide it's time to update the uniforms, after all. New, moisture-wicking materials are available that offer the cool of cotton while being easy to care for, and lighter colors would reflect the sun's intense rays better than the navy blue of today's uniforms. Bottom line: Cops can be more comfortable and still look professional.
Thanks to all who wrote with suggestions about how to keep our public safety officers safe and comfortable.
16 years wearing wool is long enough
"I have been a police officer for 16 years, and I agree that the current uniforms made mostly of wool are extremely hot and uncomfortable. I feel that if the department and the city want to keep the appearance of the uniforms the same for recognition purposes (distinguishing HPD officers apart from other law enforcement personnel with similar uniforms), that the material they are made from should be changed to a more breathable and comfortable cotton-type shirt and trousers. Officers' badges also should be permitted to be embroidered on the uniform as the other patches and insignias are."There would be one regulation "Class A" uniform that would be used for ceremonial or inspection purposes. Honolulu's Finest deal with the tropical conditions of heat and humidity on a daily basis. Anything that can be done to make 'Serving and Protecting with Aloha' a little more comfortable would definitely be appreciated."
"The uniforms should befit a tropical clime and be a colorful addition to our visitor culture: green pith helmets and green sunglasses; white, all-cotton or moisture-wicking short-sleeve shirts; Bermuda shorts and knee-high socks; ventilated running or all-terrain shoes; and a green belt-clip with thermal water bottles. Image-wise, white is a friendly color, dark blue is menacing. Authority and respect emanate from badges, insignia and nametags."
Honolulu
"Who better to consult with regarding outdoor work attire than the men and women of the U.S. Postal Service. Rain or shine, we can rely on them to complete their duties day after day. During the summer, their attire such as a large-brim hat provides ample shade for the head. Shirts are made of a thin, lightweight, almost see-through material and have short sleeves. Trousers or shorts have a loose fit. Hawaii's finest police officers can adopt these qualities while maintaining the navy blue color for maximum comfort."
Kailua
"This is probably an obvious suggestion, but you wanted us to be kind ... The cops should wear aloha shirts, this being the Aloha State and all. A bright, cheery motif for the shirt should include the HPD badge, the hibiscus, the nene or another official symbol of Hawaii. The fabric should remain police blue for that official look. For more formal occasions, I would use white fabric, but incorporating the same aloha motif."
Honolulu
"I'm a working videographer, and spend a lot of time in the sun. I dress for comfort and survival. I've found microfiber clothing to be a godsend. Clothes made of these knit, man-made fabrics wick moisture away from your skin, keeping you cool and dry. And microfiber clothing also offers protection from the sun, with an average sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 40. I usually wear long-sleeved shirts outdoors, so I stay cool and dry and don't have to lather up with sunblock. All I can say is, try it, officers, you might like it."
"I don't know about the other details but as for the material: Under Armour (R) -- 79 percent cationic polyester, 21 percent elastane."
Army sergeant, Honolulu,
currently in Bahgdad, Iraq
"I am a stained glass artist. I think stained glass designs would work fine."
"For motorcycle police officers, clothing manufacturers such as Joe Rocket, Vanson and Alpine Stars make protective motorcycle clothing specifically for warm weather. Often they are built with mesh panels with sufficient padding in the shoulders, elbows and back in the event of a crash.
"I ride a motorcycle and have many riding jackets, including a Joe Rocket mesh riding jacket that works quite well in Hawaii's warm weather. Motorcycle police officers definitely need to wear more protective clothing, even when it's hot. They also can use a Camel-Bak water carrier to prevent dehydration when riding for extended periods in hot weather. In addition, they should wear a full-face helmet with a flip up chin bar (i.e Shoei Syncrotec), which is much more protective than the 'shorty' helmets that they currently wear."
"Aloha and thanks for bringing this matter to the attention of the general public. Perhaps some good changes will come from it.
"The criteria for their uniform are safety, comfort and appearance. I would like to see them in knit golf shirts with collars or aloha shirts. I think these could both fit over their protective vests, which are essential (badges sewed in place). I think they should be allowed to wear navy shorts or navy full-length pants depending on their task for the day (i.e., performing hot traffic-control duties would be more comfortable in shorts).
"Finally, any person made to wear a uniform should be guided by a panel of their peers so outsiders don't force them into anything they dislike.
"God bless them -- HPD is wonderful."
"I live in Los Angeles but look forward to moving to Hawaii soon. I'm originally English but am married to a Hawaiian.
"I think that your police force should be issued uniforms in a beige/fawn color. (Similar to Los Angeles Highway Patrol motor division). Whether in shorts or pants, it would be a comfortable color for the heat. They could wear white socks and suitable sneakers (possibly "high tops"), whatever the mission requires.
"A brown belt would complement the outfit, and for those in shorts (because I am familiar with gun carry), their back-up weapon could be carried in an under-vest as in the Kramer (www.Kramerleather.com) or something similar available locally. Any motorcycle and/or bicycle helmets should, of course, be white in color."
Los Angeles
"I think an ecru or tan uniform should be considered. The lighter color would keep officers cooler; it's neutral and official-looking; and the color camouflages sweat, dirt and stains. Pocket flaps and trim could be aloha style to add a touch of island color. No, we don't live in Hawaii, but we vacation there often and are huge supporters of law enforcement everywhere!"
Unionville, Pa.
"How's about a khaki-colored material, maybe cotton ... white shirts, bow ties, a little design with aloha flair, flowers, palm trees, pineapples, Jungle Jim hats for the foot patrol and bicycle patrol. ... (or) T-shirts with "Hawaii 5-0" characters ..."
"The police uniform ... identifies an officer and offers a form of camouflage. An officer in a dark uniform can hide in the shadows where he can observe. The material should be changed to something similar to what runners use. A material that will wick sweat away from the body would be better.
"Shoes should be canvas or a material similar to running shoes, with optional steel toes for those who desire it. Maybe something like the military uses in the desert. The leather shoes look good when shined, but have disadvantages. The leather shoes and boots absorb a lot of heat and are difficult to disinfect and clean if they are contaminated with body fluids (blood, vomit, feces and urine).
"Officers walking a beat can be issued headgear that better ventilates the head, similar to what Marine Corps marksmanship instructors use at Kaneohe Bay, and can be made of Kevlar to protect the officers."
"After living and sailing throughout the Caribbean for many years, I noticed that the police in Bermuda, the Bahamas and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands all have uniforms adapted for tropical climates.
"They wear crisp, lightweight cotton khaki walking shorts, short-sleeved khaki shirts, white pith helmets (like the mailmen have) sunglasses and either knee socks or short sports socks and lightweight, high-top, soft-sole hiking boots. For winter, they also have khaki jackets and rain wear of similar colors and fabrics. Makes sense to me!"
Honolulu
"New cop uniforms! Easy! Whadda they wear in other tropical climes? Things more suited to the environs, of course. Just because we are an American state doesn't mean we should blindly mimic the ways of other states, especially when they are inappropriate.
"I can see khaki uniforms; short pants for day, long for night. Matching cross-trainers and socks. The word "POLICE" on the back.
"This would allow for much more agility and coolness (See http://tinyurl.com/54mj2)."
"Many tropical island nations, as well as equatorial destinations, allow their police to wear bermuda shorts made of lightweight material. Most of our police probably change into shorts within minutes of going off duty anyway, so they're already comfortable with the idea. It must have been a sadist who came up with the long trousers and shirts made of heavy dark material!
"Not much can be done for the motorcycle division, though. They would probably agree that, from a personal safety standpoint, it would be foolhardy to wear anything but what they wear now. Unfortunately, they have to be prepared to 'go down' on the street."
"During the summers it seems torturous for our finest to have to endure the almost-black outfits designated. Years ago the police all wore their street clothes, and to a man (they wore) aloha shirts.
"My suggestion is to look to the other Pacific islands ... The Samoans still have a gentler island lifestyle so their powder blue uniform shirt might be a good start, but I am not sure if open sandals and dark blue lava lava are suitable in this more violence- and crime-oriented society.
"Of course, if we went back to the old days and let them dress casually ... they might be able to infiltrate the many drug areas that are destroying society and families of Hawaii."
Kapaa, Kauai
"I don't see a problem with the uniform color. I do see a problem with the material used. The uniform is now made of wool. It requires dry cleaning, which is sure to affect the officer's paycheck. A lightweight uniform with comfortable shoes in the prevailing colors should be enough to make the officers' jobs easier."
"I think the Hawaii police should design the uniforms (keeping in mind the dress of Pacific) authority figures in law enforcement, maybe a lava-lava or malo. Samurai don't wear conventional costumes, yet they are highly respected.
"I think a pith helmet shelters the head from the elements, and light khaki shorts reflect the heat and hide dirt.
"Most important, it should not be an outfit that is hostile and militaristic. Why can't police arm themselves with tranquilizer guns like zoo staff, instead of bullets? Or have a weapon with each?"
"These guys and gals, over and above risking their lives hour after hour everyday, are in the best position to come up with a design for their own uniforms.
"If the various officers (not the brass officers) were allowed to design something for themselves and their cohorts (also excluding the police commission), you would more than likely get a workable uniform.
"Each division should design their own. Waikiki could have something more along the tourists' idea of aloha shirts. Ewa plains police could have something more in keeping with the driving sun.
"While I am still partial to the high-boot, horsey-pants motorcycle outfits, they might decide to have a fantastic leather outfit in white!"
Waikiki
[ NEXT MONTH'S BRAINSTORM! ]
Planting an idea
The first and last thing visitors see as they encounter Hawaii -- other than security personnel instructing them to take off their shoes -- is the elevated freeway by Honolulu's airport. Accordingly, when it was built, it was designed to be attractive, including a meandering garden running down the center of the lower level, and, up top, set between the elevated concourses, large planter boxes. The idea was to plant wonderful hanging gardens that would delight visitor and resident alike, and for a while, they did.
But the state Department of Transportation is focused these days on potholes, not on making the roads look pretty. The elevated gardens have become choked with weeds and debris.
So fire up those brain cells. What other use could these midair garden plots be used for? Thematic displays? Lei stands? Minimum-security prisons? Foosball diamonds? Storage for giant downtown Christmas ornaments? Headquarters for our newly reduced National Guard? A place for all the dirt from Castle Junction? Instead of offshore gambling, elevated gambling?
Send us your ideas about what should be done with these highly visible, weed-racked lots.
E-mail your ideas and solutions -- please include your name and address -- by Oct. 20 to: brainstorm@starbulletin.comOr fax to:
Brainstorm!
c/o Nancy Christenson
529-4750Or mail them to:
Brainstorm!
c/o Nancy Christenson
Star-Bulletin
500 Ala Moana
7 Waterfront Plaza
Suite 210
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
