HONOLULU (KHON2) — A new plan is in the works to tackle the ongoing officer shortage at the Honolulu Police Department. One lawmaker said they need to look at more than recruitment.
HPD’s vacancy rate isn’t getting any better according to City Councilmember Andria Tupola.
“When I started in the council in 2021, the vacancies were 320. Now we’re at 450,” Tupola explained.
According to HPD’s March personnel report, there are 455 uniformed officer vacancies. Tupola said there will likely be 500 by the end of the year even with the department’s $25,000 tiered hiring incentive program.
To address this issue, Tupola is proposing a dedicated task force.
“With the task force, what we’re really looking for is what are all the factors affecting the vacancy number, not just recruiting because I know that a lot of people have emphasized that,” Tupola said. “But if you’re pouring into a cup that has holes in it and there’s just as many people leaving as coming in, we’re not really making any difference.”
She said the first step in addressing the issue is analyzing exit interview information from former officers, looking at recruitment and transfer processes and collecting as much data as possible.
“Those are the kinds of micro-details that we need to really analyze the whole reason why we have vacancies,” Tupola explained.
From there, the task force creates a plan of action.
“I’m looking forward to having a well-rounded, written plan to address the vacancies,” she said.
The plan needs to factor in money because she said HPD returned over $50 million in unused funds.
“I think without a written plan attached with dollar amounts we’re always going to have money that’s returned from any department,” she explained.
“Chief Logan and Major Bode of the Human Resources Division met with Councilmembers Tupola and Okimoto to discuss the budget and possible vacancy strategies. We appreciate the open discussion,” HPD said in a statement.
“We’re encouraged that city leaders are focusing on the department’s rising vacancies and that they see the need is urgent. We support any solution that will put decision-makers who are ready to think creatively, work collaboratively and act immediately at the table to retain officers and rebuild HPD’s ranks. SHOPO is ready, willing, and able to be part of that solution,” State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers President Robert Cavaco said in a statement.
Eliminating the vacancies and properly staffing the police department would be a win-win for everyone.
“All around, I think it would be good for morale and good for the community,” Tupola said.
At the end of the day, everyone wants to live in safe communities.