Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Thursday, November 7, 2024 77° Today's Paper


Hawaii News

Honolulu Police Department’s COVID-19 violator hotline cools off

The Honolulu Police Department’s COVID-19 hotline was hot when it first opened, but has cooled a bit lately.

“When the hotline phone was first opened, there were about 150 calls daily to report violations and an additional 250 calls for non-HPD complaints and requests for information,” said HPD spokeswoman Michelle Yu.

Police were also receiving roughly 20 emails daily with working information.

At a news conference held Aug. 6, Honolulu Police Chief Susan Ballard urged the public to report violators of the mayor and governor’s emergency proclamation orders, which re-instituted the shutting down of beaches and parks. The hotline was opened on Aug. 9.

A week later, calls reporting violations remained the same, email numbers were steady, but non-HPD calls went down.

“As of today, the hotline is averaging about 100 phone calls and less than 10 emails daily,” Yu said Thursday.

That’s a 33% decrease in calls and more than a 50% drop in emails.

The chief said officers likely will issue citations or arrests, but “very few warnings.”

Examples of nonviolation, or what Yu called non-HPD complaints, include medical inquiries.

For these, the officers suggest that the callers contact their personal physicians. Questions about testing and city services are referred to oneoahu.org.

HPD also created a special COVID enforcement team, with 160 members, funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

That team would be dedicated to enforcing the emergency proclamation orders seven days a week. But all patrol officers are expected to respond to such calls if available.

The hotline is 723-3900. Emails may be sent to hpdcovidenforce@honolulu.gov

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.