HONOLULU (KHON2) — A total of 25 new surveillance cameras are coming to Ala Moana Regional Park, but KHON2 wanted to know why they are needed.
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City officials said the cameras are meant to deter crime and public crime data showed that there are some trouble spots around Ala Moana.
Park users of Ala Moana said they are all in favor of deterring crime with cameras, but enforcing it is just as critical.
Increased Hawaii park surveillance without public approval
“Visual deterrent is very, very much possible. I think it could be effective. But also the judicial system has to step in and prosecute people who are repeat offenders, career criminals,” said Jim Saris, visiting from Canada.”
Honolulu police crime mapping revealed more than 50 crimes reported in the last four weeks around the 1400 block of Ala Moana Boulevard that range from assaults, robberies and sex crimes. Park users said that is abominable.
“Extremely surprising to me,” said Ala Moana resident Anne Sadler.