Hawaii Action Guide
State-Specific Tactics to Restore Police Radio Transparency
Honolulu encrypted police and fire radios, cutting off the public from emergency information. A media-access bill advanced to a second reading in the Honolulu City Council in July 2025; final passage is unconfirmed. This guide gives you the contacts, templates, and tactics to push for transparency across the Aloha State.
Hawaii's Encryption Landscape
Understanding the battlefield before you fight
Honolulu Police and Fire Departments have encrypted radio communications as part of a system overhaul — exact date and cost unconfirmed. The move to a Motorola P25 digital system blocked public and media access that had existed for decades. Since then, residents have reported being cut off from timely news about crime, fires, and other emergencies in their neighborhoods.
Hawaii offers hope. A media-access bill requiring HPD to provide media access to encrypted channels advanced to a second reading in the Honolulu City Council in July 2025; final passage is unconfirmed. While HPD leadership has raised concerns, advocacy continues. Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA) also provides strong public records access rights.
Key Hawaii Encryption Timeline
Key Hawaii Contacts
The people who can make change happen
State Government
Governor Josh Green, M.D.
Executive BranchWhy 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
Hawaii State Legislature
Legislative BranchWhy 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
Office of Information Practices
UIPA OversightWhy Contact: OIP administers Hawaii's public records law (UIPA) and can provide guidance on access issues.
- Phone: (808) 586-1400
- Website: oip.hawaii.gov
Local Government
Honolulu City Council
Media Access Bill AdvancedWhy Contact: The City Council advanced legislation requiring HPD to restore media access to a second reading in July 2025; final passage is unconfirmed. Thank supportive members and push for a final vote.
- Website: honolulucitycouncil.org
- Public Comment: Council meetings allow public testimony
Honolulu Police Department
Subject of LegislationWhy Contact: HPD leadership has raised concerns about the media access bill. Engagement may help address implementation issues.
- Website: honolulupd.org
- HPD Position: HPD has reportedly discussed a media portal for calls-for-service data — unconfirmed
Maui County Council
Neighbor IslandWhy Contact: Maui County may follow Honolulu's lead. Proactive engagement can establish transparency expectations.
- Website: mauicounty.gov
Hawaii County Council
Big IslandWhy Contact: Hawaii County can adopt similar transparency measures for Big Island police.
- Website: hawaiicounty.gov
Media & Press Organizations
Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Major Newspaper - Key AllyWhy Contact: The Star-Advertiser has been a leading voice for media access and has covered residents' loss of timely emergency news since encryption.
- Website: staradvertiser.com
KITV4
ABC Affiliate - Coalition MemberWhy Contact: KITV is part of the media coalition pushing for scanner access. They've advocated for the City Council legislation.
- Website: kitv.com
KHON2
Fox Affiliate - Coalition MemberWhy Contact: KHON2 has been part of the media coalition and follows a code of ethics for verified reporting.
- Website: khon2.com
Hawaii News Now
CBS/NBC AffiliateWhy Contact: Hawaii News Now operates KGMB and KHNL, providing comprehensive statewide coverage.
- Website: hawaiinewsnow.com
Hawaii Public Radio
Public BroadcastingWhy Contact: HPR has covered the encryption issue and provides in-depth reporting on state government.
- Website: hawaiipublicradio.org
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:
- 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
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:
- All internal communications (emails, memos, meeting notes) regarding the decision to encrypt police and fire radio communications as part of the P25 system upgrade.
- All City Council or Police Commission agendas and minutes where radio encryption was discussed.
- Any legal opinions or policy analyses regarding encryption.
- The $15 million Motorola contract and all related procurement documents.
- Any cost-benefit analyses comparing encryption to alternatives.
I request records from January 1, 2019 through present.
Template 3: Media Access Legislation Status
Purpose: Track progress and any implementation planning for the City Council media access legislation
Pursuant to the Uniform Information Practices Act (Chapter 92F, HRS), I request copies of the following records:
- Any policies, procedures, or guidelines drafted regarding implementation of the pending City Council media access legislation.
- Any applications received from media organizations requesting access under the pending legislation.
- Any correspondence between HPD and media organizations regarding the legislation or possible implementation.
- Any documentation regarding a media portal for calls-for-service data, including specifications and timeline, if such planning exists.
- Any internal HPD assessments of how it would comply with the media access requirements if the legislation passes.
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.
Push for Final Passage and Implementation
The Honolulu City Council advanced media access legislation to a second reading in July 2025; final passage is unconfirmed. Your job now is to push for a final vote and, once passed, ensure HPD actually implements it.
Key Questions for City Council
- "When will the media access bill come up for a final vote?"
- "What oversight mechanisms will ensure compliance if it passes?"
- "How will the City Council respond if HPD fails to comply?"
- "What penalties would exist for non-compliance?"
- "How will media organizations apply for access?"
Advocacy Tips
- File UIPA requests - Request drafting and planning documents related to the bill
- Attend Council meetings - Monitor progress toward a final vote and provide public comment
- Coordinate with media - Stay connected with the Star-Advertiser and TV stations
- Document delays - Keep records of any stalling in the legislative process
- Thank supporters - Acknowledge Council members who have 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's City Council has advanced media access legislation. Will this county consider similar measures?"
- "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's pending 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
Monitor HPD Implementation
File UIPA requests for implementation plans and timelines. Attend City Council meetings to track progress. Document any delays or non-compliance.
Thank Council Supporters
Contact City Council members who supported the media access legislation. Thank them and ask them to continue oversight of implementation.
Push for State Legislation
Contact your state Senator and Representative. Ask them to sponsor statewide legislation extending Honolulu's requirements to all Hawaii counties.
Engage Neighbor Islands
If you're on Maui, Hawaii, or Kauai, take Honolulu's success to your county council. Request proactive transparency measures.
Stay Connected with Media
The Star-Advertiser, KITV, KHON2, and Hawaii News Now are key allies. Support their continued coverage and advocacy.
Share Hawaii's Progress
Hawaii's legislative progress can inspire other states even before final passage. Share the story with advocates elsewhere and document what's working.
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.
Contact Your Representatives
Use our templates to email your local officials about police radio encryption policies.
Get StartedRead Case Studies
See how encryption has affected real communities - from Highland Park to Chicago.
View CasesSpread Awareness
Share evidence about police radio encryption with your network and community.
Public Testimony
Learn how to speak effectively at city council and public safety meetings.
Prepare to Speak