DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM University of Hawaii security officer Warren Haney stood by his bicycle yesterday during a news conference announcing new bike patrols at UH-Manoa. The bike patrols will debut Sunday during graduation ceremonies at the campus. CLICK FOR LARGE

Campus security ready to roll

UH-Manoa officials introduce security bike patrols, which will debut Sunday

RATHER THAN walking the beat or riding around in air-conditioned cars, some campus security officers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa will be rolling on two wheels as part of a new bicycle patrol.

The security officers on bikes will make their debut Sunday, patrolling the crowd during graduation ceremonies.

Ten officers just completed a 40-hour certification course, and the university recently took delivery of four patrol bicycles, which cost about $650 each. Three more bikes, costing $750 each, are on order.

At a news conference to show off the new bicycle detail, campus security officers dressed in green polo shirts, black shorts and bicycle helmets stood behind UH-Manoa interim Chancellor Denise Konan.

Konan said patrolling on bicycles will bring officers closer to the campus community than patrolling in cars, and officers will be able to get to a scene more quickly because they will not have to find parking.

She also noted that it is "an environmentally friendly way of getting around campus."

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM University of Hawaii security bike patrols were unveiled at a news conference yesterday by interim Manoa Chancellor Denise Konan and security chief Neal Sakamoto. CLICK FOR LARGE

"People complain about a lack of security on campus," Chavez said. "For the people that do want to see more security, I think it's a good thing."

Campus security officer Reuben Danao, a 13-year veteran, said he likes the idea of being able get some exercise while working.

It will also be easier to get around, he said.

In response to a reporter's question, campus security chief Neal Sakamoto said he will be buying locks to make sure the bikes are not stolen. He said campus security is also planning another undercover operation with Honolulu police to catch bike thieves.

Danao said he might also use his handcuffs to secure his bicycle.

Sakamoto said the university is in the process of hiring eight more officers, bringing the force to 44 officers and five sergeants.

This year's Legislature also increased the budget for campus security to hire more officers. Sakamoto said the university is also upgrading security with better lighting and video surveillance cameras.

The bicycle detail has been in the works for about two years, long before the Virginia Tech shootings, Sakamoto said.

Konan said the university is looking at three options to increase security in light of the shootings, including giving security officers arrest powers and allowing them to carry weapons. Other proposals include locating substations around campus and increasing cooperation with Honolulu police.

A decision on the security options will not be made until the fall, Konan said, and would require Board of Regents and possibly legislative approval.