Hawai'i County Police officers Jesse Kerr, William Derr, and Vernon Ferreira pose at Keaukaha's Puhi Bay. The three are among the officers that will receive training on dealing with the myriad of issues in Hawaiian communities courtesy of an OHA grant. Photo: T. Ilihia Gionson

Ka Wai Ola Loa Staff

The Hawai'i County Police Department was awarded a grant of $24,800 from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to enhance and expand the department's bicycle patrol. The money will provide training for officers in the areas of cultural awareness, crisis intervention, homelessness and mental illness.

"With these grant funds, police officers will be able to respond appropriately when called to a crisis situation. Officers can request for crisis intervention or treatment services if needed," said Nālani Takushi, Human Services Advocate at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

"We want to support the officers in responding appropriately to people with mental health issues. Hopefully it will help reduce the criminalization of those with mental health issues," Takushi said.

The idea of supporting police officers with specialized education and training is through the efforts of the Mental Health Transformation Working Group's Criminal Justice Task Force Group, of which Takushi is a member. It was in that group that she met Officer William Derr, who is leading the charge for bridging mental health and criminal justice concerns for Hawai'i Island, Takushi said.

Officers patrol downtown Hilo, Keaukaha and Puna – areas where large groups of people, including Native Hawaiians, congregate. Long-range plans include patrols in other communities on the island. The partnership with OHA aims to improve the quality of life for the entire community. It will enable police to interact with the Hawaiian community in a more culturally sensitive way, respecting Hawaiian traditions and practices.

The goal of the partnership is to increase awareness and provide knowledge and skills for police officers who come into contact with at-risk individuals, particularly those who may suffer from mental illness. The ultimate goal is to lower the number of Native Hawaiians entering the criminal justice system, while fostering safe communities on the island of Hawai'i.

"OHA is giving us an opportunity to expand our services, even as the county faces economic challenges," said Hawai'i Police Chief Harry Kubojiri. "The community has responded favorably to our Bicycle Patrol. Children, especially, love to talk with officers on bicycles. We intend to reach out to them and foster a better relationship."