HI HCR148

Hawaii's Legislature formally expresses support for the state's more than 2,700 law enforcement officers and honors the 84 officers who have died in the line of duty, including Maui Police Officer Suzanne O, killed on August 15, 2025.

Hawaii ranks fifth nationally for low violent crime rates according to U.S. News and World Report, attributed to dedicated law enforcement efforts over the past decade.

The City and County of Honolulu alone has over 400 vacant law enforcement positions, creating dangerously low staffing levels statewide.

Law enforcement officers experience 400-600 traumatic events during their careers compared to 3-4 for average citizens, contributing to a 54% higher suicide rate among officers than other U.S. workers.

The resolution calls for increased measures including more personnel, improved training and equipment, tougher penalties for assaulting officers, and expanded mental health resources for law enforcement.