HONOLULU (KHON2) — Honolulu Police Department data shows a 1,600% increase in gambling offenses year-over-year in January, so is there a concerning increase in crime or are the numbers just confusing?
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The HPD crime dashboard showed big jumps in crime for a few separate offenses in Jan. 2024 when compared to Jan. 2023.
There was a 266% increase in hacking, 300% increase in homicide and a shocking 1,600% increase in gambling offenses, but west side community leaders said that is no surprise.
“You break down one game room, you got three more popping up,” said Nanakuli/Maili Neighborhood Board chair Samantha DeCorte. “Anybody living in any other district would find that to be shocking. But living in the district that I live in, which has continual growth in criminal activities, ghost guns, murders, homicides left and right, you know, it’s almost kind of, you know, takes out the shock factor already!”
The Honolulu Police Commission pointed out there was only one gambling offense in Jan. 2023 even though 1,600% seems high. There were 17 offenses in Jan. 2024.