Police-Business Deal Raises Ethical Questions

By Michael Levine 12/21/2011

The business group says it got the idea for a donation to the HPD after looking at similar programs elsewhere, specifically Atlanta's Midtown Improvement District. Its first donation came in 2006.

The nonprofit association evaluated its "base line services agreement" with the HPD and other city government agencies. For example, HPD Capt. Andrew Lum on Tuesday said there are 12 assigned beats in Waikiki, and one officer is typically assigned to each beat. The business group has targeted "streetscape maintenance" and hospitality and safety as programs it wants to supplement.

About a dozen "Aloha Ambassadors" in bright green shirts answer visitors' questions in Waikiki every day, and can even help keep the area safe and secure. But they're not police officers and don't have enforcement powers, and the business association decided regular gifts of $75,000 or $150,000 to the police department would be a good idea.

The association specifically asked HPD to enforce laws that limit activity on Waikiki sidewalks. Violations include aggressive panhandling, unlicensed peddling, animal solicitation and prostitution.

http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2011/12/21/13233-police-business-deal-raises-ethical-questions/