Talks By Police Help To Keep Order In Parks
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Del.icio.usNo matter the season, Oahu’s city parks are filled every weekend with adults and keiki pursuing their love of sport, recreation and good family fun. And while most users respect the parks and other users, such crowds inevitably lead to rules being broken - from illegal parking to drinking and fights.
In an effort to make parks safer, Honolulu Police Department has teamed up with the city Department of Parks and Recreation to remind parents and coaches about the importance of good sportsmanship. Since the program’s inception a year ago, they say the results have been tangible.
“We have seen a change in the number of calls we’ve had to go on and by the interest we spark by giving these presentations,” said officer Sonny Kanoho Jr.
Parks director Les Chang noted that the program’s success also comes from the involvement of the Board of Education and Parent and Children Together whose 5Rs (respect, responsibility, resourcefulness, relationships and resiliency) serve as their motto.
“Every one of those partners have made this work,” said Chang.“We’ve integrated it into our Summer Fun and year-round programs.”
As part of the Community Works in 96744 program, police officers and others speak with parents and coaches about sportsmanship and responsibility.
“We try to change the mindset and try to put the responsibility back on them,” explained Kanoho. “We want to educate them. We want to create a partnership with them, but we also want them to take responsibility for the parks.”
The response from parents and league officials has been positive, he said, and the most common response is “It’s about time.”
“Everybody who lives in Hawaii wants to enjoy the parks; they want to bring their families. But sometimes it just goes overboard.”
Part of the message is just reminding the users about park rules and the possible consequences of their actions. Officers follow up the information with visits to the parks both in uniform and undercover to help monitor activities. “Each and every one of us is responsible,” Kanoho said. “We can’t always be there, and we need the public’s help.”
Parents and league officials interested in having an officer speak to their group may call the community policing team at 723-8874 or the Kailua station at 262-6555.
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