Will the addition of thirty surveillance cameras help ease security concerns during the APEC summit in November?
HPD says yes, it will.
But the plan to install the temporary cameras is prompting privacy concerns.
This eye in the sky can already be seen in parts of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki now a few months ahead of the APEC summit here in the islands HPD says security cameras are a necessary safety tool.
"So that we can see things as they develop and take advantage of that information so we can use our resources to the best end," said Honolulu Police Department Assistant Chief Greg Lefcourt.
When 21 world leaders, staff members and thousands of global media arrive in Honolulu this November security will remain a top priority.
"Their security, the security of the city and county and of the general public is of paramount importance to us," Lefcourt says.
With more than 200 traffic and video surveillance cameras already on island, HPD is asking for the installation of 30 additional cameras for video monitoring from Waikiki to Chinatown and Ko Olina.
"I have to tell you, I am very disturbed about this," said Oahu resident Shannon Wood.
"The ACLU urges government to instead use its limited and valuable tax dollars on more proven methods of public safety. For example, improved lighting increasing police patrol, community policing," said Vanessa Chong with the ACLU Hawaii.
Concerns were raised before the City Council Committee on Safety, Economic Development and Government Affairs regarding invasion of privacy. The city says the cameras would only be in public areas. HPD says it is working with the ACLU to address concerns.
By law the camera's location must be made public using signs and other forms of advertising.
The cost to install the cameras is just under $1.5 million, with money from the city, Department of Homeland Security and Hawaii Tourism Authority contributing.
"Total committed to date is $1.2 million. By committed I mean we are either in contract or in installation and implementation," said Gordon Bruce of the Department of Information Technology.
After the conference is over, all but four of the cameras in Waikiki and two in Ko Olina will be taken down and re-used as city traffic cameras.
"So the equipment will not be wasted it will be deployed and we would go out and buy cameras anyway to do an extension of our program," said Wayne Yoshioka of the Department of Transportation Services.
A public hearing will be scheduled to address the proposal.
