Pilot project to secure Honolulu parks begins

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A pilot project to secure park facilities during park closure hours has begun in Urban Honolulu.

The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has contracted a security company to secure access at designated city parks, locking parking areas and/or comfort stations that have established park closure hours.

Approximately 25 city parks within DPR Districts 1 (East Honolulu) and District 2 (West Honolulu), stretching from the Kaiwi Coastline to 'Aiea, are included in this project.

Site locations are subject to change due to renovation or restoration projects. Access to the Koko Head Shooting Complex will also be secured during this pilot project by park staff.

"Keeping our park facilities safe, clean, and in working order has been a top priority of my administration, the dedicated staff within the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the fine officers of the Honolulu Police Department," said Mayor Kirk Caldwell. "I hope this pilot project will be successful in keeping our parks and communities safe, and to help curb damage from vandalism and graffiti, as similar operations are explored for our rural communities."

The pilot project is scheduled to run until the end of June 2018, at which time DPR will review and assess the outcome.

The security work has been contracted to American Guard Services, Inc. for $25,916. Security personnel with the contractor will operate in clearly marked vehicles and uniforms, and have designated procedures for securing the park.

Those include alerting members of the public of the immediate closure and coordinating with Honolulu Police and DPR staff should a situation require further enforcement.

Park staff are responsible for reopening the facility the following morning.
During the project period, the closures will be conducted seven-days a week, including holidays.

The following parks were selected for this pilot project as many are in close proximity to another park, providing for a good test comparison of effectiveness against illegal activity in our parks:   
 
District 1 (East Honolulu)

Sandy Beach Park
Koko Head District Park
Waialae Beach Park 
Wilson Community Park
Petrie Community Park
Kapaolono Community Park
Palolo Valley District Park
Crane Community Park
Kanewai Community Park
Old Stadium Park
Ala Wai Neighborhood Park
Ala Wai Community Park

District 2 (West Honolulu)

Dole Community Park
Smith-Beretania Park
Aala Park 
Beretania Community Park
Kauluwela Mall
Na Pueo Mini Park
Loi Kalo Mini Park
Kalihi Uka Community Park
Fern Community Park
Keehi Lagoon Park 
Moanalua Community Park
Ala Puumalu Community Park
Salt Lake District Park

This story may be updated.

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