HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The newly established Department of Law Enforcement in Hawaii is grappling with resource challenges as it endeavors to fulfill its ambitious mission. Jordan Lowe, the Director of Law Enforcement, is urging lawmakers to allocate more resources to enhance the department’s effectiveness, a task complicated by existing difficulties in filling vacancies.
Lowe, during an informational meeting with the state Senate Ways and Means Committee, presented several key requests for the Legislature. Among them is a $6.5 million proposal to elevate the pay of state sheriffs, aligning it with that of county police officers to make the position more appealing for recruitment. Currently, a deputy sheriff earns around $58,000 annually, while an equivalent-level police officer receives $75,000.
“Reducing the pay disparity will decide whether the Department of Law Enforcement will be successful or not,” emphasized Lowe.
Another significant request is $6.5 million to hire 40 sheriffs for neighbor island airports and 10 sheriffs for harbor monitoring. This move aims to complement private security efforts and allows counties to concentrate on community-related law enforcement.
Additionally, the department is seeking $2.6 million to consolidate security services at the State Capitol and government buildings. Lowe explained the need for this consolidation, highlighting the current situation where different departments have separate security contractors, hindering collaboration.
The Department of Law Enforcement is also pursuing $2 million for training and equipment to accommodate different classes of public safety officers under its umbrella. For instance, airport sheriffs will have distinct needs compared to school officers.
Security experts support the department’s requests, emphasizing the importance of proactive intervention and early threat recognition. Ed Howard, a threat assessment consultant with extensive law enforcement experience, stressed the value of proper training for the newly established department.
“With a new department like this, we have to do it right. And we can’t do band-aid approaches, or piecemeal things; it has to be done right from the beginning. And that training is huge,” said Howard.
Coordination among local, federal, and global agencies is also crucial, according to security consultant David Milne, who has experience working with the U.S. Coast Guard, FBI, and other federal agencies.
The state’s Illegal Fireworks Task Force, a successful multi-agency effort, serves as an example of effective collaboration. The task force, which seized over 35 tons of contraband, requires $200,000 to continue its operations, according to Lowe.
While the Department of Law Enforcement did not provide updates on ongoing investigations, security experts noted that such processes, especially involving international entities, take time.