HAWAII ACTIVIST PLAYBOOK

Hawaii Action Guide

State-Specific Tactics to Restore Police Radio Transparency

Honolulu encrypted police and fire radios in 2022, cutting off the public from emergency information. But in 2025, the Honolulu City Council passed legislation to restore media access. This guide gives you the contacts, templates, and tactics to ensure transparency is restored across the Aloha State.

Hawaii's Encryption Landscape

Understanding the battlefield before you fight

In February 2022, Honolulu Police and Fire Departments encrypted all radio communications as part of a $15 million system overhaul. The move to a Motorola P25 digital system blocked public and media access that had existed for decades. Since then, residents have been "cut off from timely news about crime, fires and other emergencies in their neighborhoods."

Hawaii offers hope. In 2025, the Honolulu City Council passed legislation requiring HPD to provide media access to encrypted channels. While HPD leadership has raised concerns, the legislative path forward is clear. Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) also provides strong public records access rights.

2022 Honolulu Encrypted Police/Fire
2025 City Council Passed Media Access Bill
UIPA Strong Public Records Law

Key Hawaii Encryption Timeline

Feb 2022 Honolulu Police and Fire encrypt all radio communications
2022-2024 Media organizations push for renewed access to police dispatch
Jul 2025 City Council legislation for media access advances to second reading
2025 City Council passes final legislation requiring media access
Present Implementation and HPD compliance being monitored

Key Hawaii Contacts

The people who can make change happen

State Government

Governor Josh Green, M.D.

Executive Branch

Why Contact: Governor Green has signed judiciary reform bills and supported transparency measures. He may support statewide police transparency legislation.

  • Phone: (808) 586-0034
  • Address: State Capitol, Executive Chambers, Honolulu, HI 96813
  • Website: governor.hawaii.gov
Ask: "Will you support statewide legislation requiring media access to encrypted police communications?"

Hawaii State Legislature

Legislative Branch

Why Contact: The Legislature can pass statewide transparency requirements. Senator Karl Rhoads chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee.

  • Find Your Legislator: capitol.hawaii.gov
  • Senate Judiciary Committee: Chair Senator Karl Rhoads
  • House Judiciary Committee: Chair Rep. David Tarnas
Ask: "Will you sponsor legislation extending Honolulu's media access requirement to all Hawaii counties?"

Office of Information Practices

UIPA Oversight

Why Contact: OIP administers Hawaii's public records law (UIPA) and can provide guidance on access issues.

Local Government

Honolulu City Council

Passed Media Access Bill

Why Contact: The City Council passed legislation requiring HPD to restore media access. Thank supportive members and ensure implementation.

Ask: "How will you ensure HPD complies with the media access legislation? What oversight mechanisms are in place?"

Honolulu Police Department

Subject of Legislation

Why Contact: HPD leadership has raised concerns about the media access bill. Engagement may help address implementation issues.

  • Website: honolulupd.org
  • HPD Position: They plan to launch a media portal with 24-hour calls for service data

Maui County Council

Neighbor Island

Why Contact: Maui County may follow Honolulu's lead. Proactive engagement can establish transparency expectations.

Hawaii County Council

Big Island

Why Contact: Hawaii County can adopt similar transparency measures for Big Island police.

Media & Press Organizations

Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Major Newspaper - Key Ally

Why Contact: The Star-Advertiser has been a leading voice for media access. President Dennis Francis stated residents have been "cut off from timely news."

KITV4

ABC Affiliate - Coalition Member

Why Contact: KITV is part of the media coalition pushing for scanner access. They've advocated for the City Council legislation.

KHON2

Fox Affiliate - Coalition Member

Why Contact: KHON2 has been part of the media coalition and follows a code of ethics for verified reporting.

Hawaii News Now

CBS/NBC Affiliate

Why Contact: Hawaii News Now operates KGMB and KHNL, providing comprehensive statewide coverage.

Hawaii Public Radio

Public Broadcasting

Why Contact: HPR has covered the encryption issue and provides in-depth reporting on state government.

Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) Requests

Hawaii's public records law

The Uniform Information Practices Act (Chapter 92F, Hawaii Revised Statutes) gives everyone the right to access government records concerning government operations. The Office of Information Practices (OIP) administers the law and provides guidance on access issues.

Hawaii-Specific UIPA Templates

Template 1: Scanner Harm Documentation

Purpose: Prove there's no evidence scanner access has harmed officers

Pursuant to the Uniform Information Practices Act (Chapter 92F, HRS), I request copies of the following records:

  1. All documented incidents, reports, or investigations where public access to police radio scanner communications resulted in:
    • Injury or harm to any officer or personnel
    • Compromise of any tactical operation
    • Flight or escape of any suspect
    • Interference with any emergency response
    for the period January 1, 2010 through present.

If no responsive records exist, please provide written confirmation of that fact.

Please provide records in electronic format. Contact me at [EMAIL/PHONE] regarding this request.

Template 2: Encryption Decision Documents

Purpose: Discover the decision-making process for the $15 million system overhaul

Pursuant to the Uniform Information Practices Act (Chapter 92F, HRS), I request copies of the following records:

  1. All internal communications (emails, memos, meeting notes) regarding the decision to encrypt police and fire radio communications as part of the P25 system upgrade.
  2. All City Council or Police Commission agendas and minutes where radio encryption was discussed.
  3. Any legal opinions or policy analyses regarding encryption.
  4. The $15 million Motorola contract and all related procurement documents.
  5. Any cost-benefit analyses comparing encryption to alternatives.

I request records from January 1, 2019 through present.

Template 3: Media Access Implementation

Purpose: Monitor compliance with the City Council media access legislation

Pursuant to the Uniform Information Practices Act (Chapter 92F, HRS), I request copies of the following records:

  1. All policies, procedures, or guidelines developed to implement the City Council media access legislation.
  2. Any applications received from media organizations requesting access under the new legislation.
  3. Any correspondence between HPD and media organizations regarding implementation.
  4. Documentation of the media portal HPD plans to launch, including specifications and timeline.
  5. Any internal HPD assessments of how to comply with the media access requirements.

Hawaii UIPA Tips

  • Written request required: Requests must be in writing with sufficient contact information
  • Describe records clearly: Provide a reasonable description of the requested records
  • Specify delivery: State how you'd like to receive records (pickup, mail, email)
  • Use UIPA.org: You can submit requests to most state and county agencies through UIPA.org
  • OIP assistance: The Office of Information Practices can help with appeals and guidance
  • Criminal penalties: Willful violations of UIPA can result in criminal penalties
  • "No records" is evidence: A response of "no responsive records" proves your point about scanner harm

Local Actions: Ensuring Implementation

The legislation passed. Now ensure it's enforced.

Monitor Implementation

The Honolulu City Council passed the media access legislation. Your job now is to ensure HPD actually implements it.

Key Questions for City Council

  • "What is the timeline for HPD to implement media access?"
  • "What oversight mechanisms ensure compliance?"
  • "How will the City Council respond if HPD fails to comply?"
  • "What penalties exist for non-compliance?"
  • "How will media organizations apply for access?"

Implementation Monitoring Tips

  • File UIPA requests - Request implementation plans and timeline documents
  • Attend Council meetings - Monitor updates and provide public comment
  • Coordinate with media - Stay connected with the Star-Advertiser and TV stations
  • Document delays - Keep records of any implementation failures
  • Thank supporters - Acknowledge Council members who supported the legislation

Expand to Neighbor Islands

Honolulu's success creates a model for Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai counties. Take the fight statewide.

Strategy for Neighbor Islands

  • "Honolulu has passed media access legislation. Will this county do the same?"
  • "What is the current encryption status of county police radios?"
  • "Will the county council consider proactive transparency measures?"
  • "How do neighbor island media organizations feel about encryption?"

Neighbor Island Tips

  • Cite Honolulu precedent - Use the City Council legislation as a model
  • Engage local media - The Maui News and other neighbor island outlets have a stake
  • Island-specific concerns - Emphasize how remote communities depend on emergency info
  • State legislation - Push for statewide law through the Legislature

Take Action Now

Concrete steps you can take today

1

Monitor HPD Implementation

File UIPA requests for implementation plans and timelines. Attend City Council meetings to track progress. Document any delays or non-compliance.

2

Thank Council Supporters

Contact City Council members who supported the media access legislation. Thank them and ask them to continue oversight of implementation.

3

Push for State Legislation

Contact your state Senator and Representative. Ask them to sponsor statewide legislation extending Honolulu's requirements to all Hawaii counties.

4

Engage Neighbor Islands

If you're on Maui, Hawaii, or Kauai, take Honolulu's success to your county council. Request proactive transparency measures.

5

Stay Connected with Media

The Star-Advertiser, KITV, KHON2, and Hawaii News Now are key allies. Support their continued coverage and advocacy.

6

Share Hawaii's Success

Hawaii's legislative victory can inspire other states. Share the story with advocates elsewhere and document what worked.

Hawaii Resources & Links

Everything you need for your advocacy campaign

Government Resources

Media Resources

Activist Playbook

Legal Resources

Take Action for Transparency

Your voice matters. Here are concrete ways to advocate for open police communications in your community.

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Contact Your Representatives

Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.

Get Started
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Read Case Studies

See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.

View Cases
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Spread Awareness

Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.

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See the Evidence

Review the facts, myths, and research on police radio encryption.

View Evidence
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Public Testimony

Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.

Prepare to Speak
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Download Resources

Get FOIA templates, talking points, and materials for advocacy.

Access Toolkit
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