HI SR73

Urges the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to adopt and implement a Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW) program in each homestead area, starting with the Kanehili Neighborhood Security Watch.

Identifies problems including increased illegal activities in Hawaiian homestead areas, inconsistent law enforcement response, and delays by the Department in addressing requests for law enforcement services.

Notes that Hawaiian homestead lands are not subject to zoning requirements and are managed by the Department, requiring law enforcement to seek permission before investigating illegal activity on these lands.

Describes NSW as a crime prevention program where trained volunteers organized by the community work with law enforcement to address crimes, pursue offenders, and improve neighborhood conditions and quality of life.

Cites the Kanehili Homestead example where an NSW successfully shut down a gambling house and reduced theft, illegal drug activities, and graffiti after two years of persistent crime and governmental delays.