Increasing Incidence of Violent and Property Crimes Plaguing Hawaii's Parks and Beaches (From Hawaii Governor's Conference on Crime, P 25-32, 1981 - See NCJ-84199)

• NCJ Number: 84202
• Author(s): E Watson
• Date Published: 1981
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Available on microfiche as NCJ-84199

Annotation

This report presents statistics and case examples showing the extent of Part I offenses and of drinking, assault, theft, and vandalism in the parks and beaches in Hawaii and recommends actions to deal with these problems.

Abstract

Considering that about 17 million people visited Hawaii's State parks during fiscal year 1979-80, the crime problem is not as serious as depicted by the media. Nevertheless, statistics may not portray the true picture. The problems include both physical assaults and the intimidation and harassment of individuals and families using the beaches and parks by groups which congregate and drink each day. In the Waikiki Beach area, additional problems include conflicts between Samoan and Hawaiian groups and between local people and military personnel. Large numbers of thefts from automobiles and from beach and park areas have also been reported. Almost 150 vandalism incidents occurred in the State parks during fiscal year 1979-80. To deal with these problems, greater communication and information exchange is needed between State and county law enforcement agencies and between law enforcement personnel and prosecutors. Statistics should also be maintained on the major problem areas: drinking, assault, theft, and vandalism. When manpower shortages exist, coordination and use of joint State and county enforcement activities would be desirable. Increased patrols of heavily used parks should also be established. Other recommendations are outlined.