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UH introduces new campus security vehicles

By Roger Mari - bio | email

MANOA (KHNL) - It's a new way of keeping University of Hawaii students safe. They're called personal mobility vehicles.

This new addition to campus security is a welcome sight for students as the new school year begins.

They hit top speeds of 15-to-18 miles per hour and after an 8-hour training course, these officers are ready to protect and to serve.

"Now that they have these new vehicles, they can come to you faster," said student Crystal Cropuz.

It's also a great opportunity for campus security to meet the students and get to know them on a personal level.

"We can converse with them, we can pull upside and talk to them, so I think it's a great tool for us," said campus security Gary Rivers.

"You know, I totally feel closer to this guy, he seems like a fantastic guy, like we just met and he seems like a really cool guy," said student Mark O'Conner.

They're equip with flashing lights and a siren and run entirely on electricity. With the batteries lasting 8-to-12 hours, they can run 24 hours a day without polluting the air.

"Oh my god, eco-friendly too? Wow, this thing just does everything," said O'Conner.

The price tag for one of these vehicles is about $8,000. There are two of them roving around campus and UH officials hope to add two or three more in the next couple of years.

"This is just absolutely amazing," said O'Conner.  "What a great investment for our future."

It's a high tech way keeping the campus safe and making new friends along the way.

The new vehicles made their debut this past weekend.