Honolulu Council Approves Bill Enhancing Media Access to Police Info

The Honolulu City Council has unanimously approved a bill aimed at improving media access to critical information from the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) during major public safety incidents. On November 1, 2023, the Council passed Bill 46 with an 8-0 vote, although Council member Matt Weyer was absent.

This new legislation mandates HPD to utilize a media crime alert system, enabling select news outlets to receive timely information about emergency incidents. The bill stipulates that the police chief must develop a strategic plan to facilitate the prompt release of specific public information to both media and the public, incorporating agreements with local news organizations.

According to the text of Bill 46, “The media and public’s timely access to emergency-related information is essential to keeping the community safe from dangerous situations such as active shooters, armed and dangerous individuals, and violent crimes.” However, it also highlights the need to protect sensitive information due to confidentiality and ongoing investigations.

New Alert System and Its Parameters

The new alert system will send electronic notifications to selected local media outlets, helping to rapidly disseminate information during life-threatening situations. This follows a significant change in 2022 when a $15 million encryption system was implemented, restricting access to routine police communications. The move was part of a broader transition among various agencies away from analog systems to more secure digital channels.

Bill 46, originally introduced by Council Chair Tommy Waters and Council member Augie Tulba, specifies that alerts must be sent within 10 minutes of an incident being reported. The alerts will include essential details such as the street name, block location, type of incident, and a general description. The HPD has identified nine categories of incidents eligible for media dissemination, including aggravated assault, bomb threats, and homicide.

However, not all media organizations will receive access. To qualify for HPD crime alerts, news organizations must hold a valid broadcast license from the Federal Communications Commission or have a verified history of public news dissemination. Additional criteria include being listed as a recognized legal or public notice publication or maintaining a continuous publication history of at least 25 years.

Reactions and Concerns

At the Council meeting, Matt Piacente, news director at Hawaii News Now, expressed optimism about the bill’s potential to enhance journalistic access to real-time information. He stated, “Giving us real-time (police) scanner access is just the first step in our process as journalists.” He emphasized that the scanner access would significantly aid in public safety reporting during emergencies.

Contrastingly, some residents and former journalists voiced concerns regarding the bill. John Deutzman, a Waikiki resident and retired TV reporter, criticized what he termed the “High Maka Maka Clause,” which limits access to select media outlets. “This is public information that’s already been pre-screened by the police department to eliminate sensitive information,” he argued, suggesting that such data should be accessible to all, not just a privileged few.

Council member Val Okimoto expressed support for the bill but acknowledged reservations about its implementation. She pointed out the uncertainty surrounding how future police chiefs may enforce the new legislation, potentially affecting media access in the long term.

On the technical side, HPD’s Major Paul Okamoto indicated that beta testing for the new alert system began on November 5, 2023. The system employs Microsoft Copilot to assist in selecting information for media distribution, which is sent via text messages to devices using Microsoft Teams. Okamoto noted that the 10-minute delay in alerts aims to ensure public safety based on average police response times.

Interim Police Chief Rade K. Vanic initially supported the measure but later expressed concerns over privacy issues. Nonetheless, he reported that the beta testing had been successful and that no complaints had been received thus far.

As the implementation of Bill 46 unfolds, its impact on media access to crucial public safety information remains to be seen. The Council’s decision marks a significant step towards enhancing communication between law enforcement and the media, aiming to bolster community safety in Honolulu.