Meeting Transcript

Aloha and welcome back. This is Council Conversations. Today we're talking about Bill 46, a measure Councilmember Toba and I introduced to help keep our community safe and informed. Here's how it works. HBD will have to reinstate sharing basic dispatch information with local news outlets so that when something major happens, like the 2023 New Year's Day police chase. The two were hospitalized after Sydney Tefolkitao opened fire during an island wide manhunt on New Year's Day. Or the 2024 spring break shooting in Waikiki. Police say shortly after 9.30 last night, two men opened fire near the intersection of Kalakaua Avenue and Lewis Street. Police say a bullet hit a nearby business. News outlets will be able to keep the public informed, aware, and safe. Local newsrooms are essential partners in providing timely, trustworthy emergency information that helps keep everyone protected. Under Bill 46, HBD must work with local media to provide timely updates about active crimes or public safety threats. These updates would be sent through alerts or over radio scanner communications, but it will never include individuals' private details or compromise police operations. The council will also hold HBD accountable, where the chief of police will report to the council each year on how this information is shared, what privacy safeguards are in place, and which media outlets have access. Any local newsroom that misuses HPD communications could face penalties or lose access. In short, Bill 46 improves transparency and safety by ensuring the public gets timely, accurate emergency information while protecting privacy and law enforcement integrity. Mahalo for watching.