When FBI Director James Comey said last week that recent scrutiny of police actions might have led to an uptick in violent crime, it sparked widespread debate and disagreement.

Does the so-called “Ferguson effect” really exist? Or is it, as The Atlantic put it, the Bigfoot of American criminal justice?

The White House was swift to dismiss Comey’s words. Press Secretary Josh Earnest told the press that there was no evidence to show that cops were “shirking their responsibilities.”

Comey himself even admitted he didn’t have the data to back up his statements, and was instead relying on anecdotal accounts from police leaders around the country.

But many police chiefs, including those in communities that have seen crime increases, remained skeptical.

Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha was in Chicago for the annual meeting of the International Association of Chiefs of Police when Comey made his comments.

And while Kealoha did not provide a reaction to Comey’s remarks, Deputy Chief Cary Okimoto issued the following statement to Civil Beat:

Our officers have always been committed and dedicated to serving the people of Honolulu in the best way possible, and nothing has changed that.

Hawaii is different from some mainland cities and towns in that we have a racially diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve.  Hawaii also has a long history of respect and tolerance for others.

Our officers live in the community they serve and are involved in many outside activities as parents, coaches, church leaders, and community volunteers.  None of this has changed.

Okimoto added that although the statistics for 2014 are not yet complete, the numbers compiled so far do not indicate a significant rise in homicides or other felonies.

While it’s not a direct rebuke of Comey’s statements, Okimoto’s comments do to suggest the Ferguson effect hasn’t crept into Oahu.