Hawaii County police will be able to enter some gated communities more easily to respond to 911 calls, under an agreement announced today.

Communities that participate in this program will install radio-controlled gate openers that can be operated by a police radio, the department said.

Police said there are an estimated 200 gated communities on Hawaii island, each with its own device to allow access. “It is impractical for emergency responders to carry keys for every lock or keep track of every combination,” the department said in a news release, and that officers have been delayed when a community changed or reprogrammed its locks without informing police.

Communities that want to participate will be responsible for acquiring and maintaining the equipment. Participation is voluntary. For information on the program, call the police commander in your district. Go to www.hawaiipolice.com and click on “Police Stations” under “Contact Us.”