Public Safety

Mainland Candidate Selected As Honolulu Police Chief Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Mainland Candidate Selected As Honolulu Police Chief

David Lazar, a retired assistant chief from San Francisco, would be the first chief in more than 90 years who’s never worked for the department.

Stricter E-Bike Regulations Planned For Hawai‘i Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Stricter E-Bike Regulations Planned For Hawai‘i

The new bill would mandate helmets for anyone under 18, ban wheelies or stunt riding on public streets, and place other age restrictions on riding.

Honolulu Police Shoot Teen In Stolen Vehicle Caitlin Thompson/Civil Beat/2026

Honolulu Police Shoot Teen In Stolen Vehicle

Interim Chief Rade Vanic said a police officer was injured in the incident, but did not provide details on the extent of the officer’s injuries.

Murder Charges, Then Freedom: Teens’ Pretrial Release Questioned David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025

Murder Charges, Then Freedom: Teens’ Pretrial Release Questioned

The cases raise questions about leniency shown to young arrestees and the effectiveness of ankle monitors.

It’s Illegal To Ride A Moped Without A Helmet. Does Anyone Care? Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

It’s Illegal To Ride A Moped Without A Helmet. Does Anyone Care?

Hawaiʻi made moped helmets mandatory last year, but police aren’t issuing tickets and few riders appear to be voluntarily donning the protective gear.

Run! Ala Moana Crosswalk Has Pedestrians Counting Down The Seconds Craig Fujii/Civil Beat/2026

Run! Ala Moana Crosswalk Has Pedestrians Counting Down The Seconds

Cars power through this busy Ala Moana pedestrian crossing, while walkers are still trying to reach the other side.

‘Not A Priority’: Frustrations Mount Over Missing Fire Evacuation Route Taylor Nāhulukeaokalani Cozloff/Civil Beat/2026

‘Not A Priority’: Frustrations Mount Over Missing Fire Evacuation Route

Hawai‘i County Council is weighing the mayor’s budget request to build more housing before finishing an evacuation route in Waikōloa.

Big Island Residents Say Dangerous Dog Law Has No Bite Courtesy: Brandon Bulman/2026

Big Island Residents Say Dangerous Dog Law Has No Bite

After several attacks, police are trying to get the owner of a dog that’s been terrorizing a Puna neighborhood to surrender the animal.

Hawaiʻi Law Enforcement Director Wants To Return To HPD Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025

Hawaiʻi Law Enforcement Director Wants To Return To HPD

Mike Lambert said he had hoped to stay longer with DLE but plans to step down this summer because of a retirement system issue.

Hawaiʻi Weighs Shorter Probation, Lighter Punishment For Drugs California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

Hawaiʻi Weighs Shorter Probation, Lighter Punishment For Drugs

A committee of stakeholders from across the criminal justice system is working to bring the state more in line with national trends on drug possession and probation.