Security cameras OK’d for use during APEC

The City Council has approved the use of 34 new video cameras — some of which already have been installed — to enhance security during next month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Waikiki.

Cameras would be placed across key sections of Oahu to manage traffic, supplement security measures and provide greater awareness of situations on the ground as 21 world leaders and their delegates convene in Honolulu.

Council members voted 8-1 on Wednesday to approve the use of the cameras, at a cost of $1.5 million. The cameras are paid for by a combination of city funds, a Hawaii Tourism Authority grant and federal homeland security dollars.

Councilman Nestor Garcia cast the lone "no" vote, saying he was concerned about the effect that the cameras could have on free speech of would-be protesters.

"I do believe that this will send a chill factor for those who wish to … express a point of view that will differ from any one of the (visiting nations’) economies that will be participating in this conference next month," Garcia said.

Police officials said the cameras are not intended to discourage public protests.

Honolulu Police Maj. Clayton Kau said the cameras supplement additional traffic cameras and provide greater visibility to help police monitor the motorcades of the visiting dignitaries.

About half of the cameras already have been installed, but have not been put into use, said Gordon Bruce, the city’s information technology director.

The 34 cameras will be switched on for their intended use beginning at midnight Nov. 6, through the end of the summit Nov. 14, Bruce said. They are not equipped with microphones and they will record activity only in instances in which police determine that criminal activity might be occurring.

The cameras will augment 26 existing security cameras in Chinatown and six in Waikiki.

Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard noted that the Council tried to strike a balance between ensuring public safety and providing needed security for the 21 world leaders.

"Our responsibility is not only to their security and protection during their visit here, but it is equally imperative that we also maintain the security, safety and protection of our residents and other visitors here to Hono­lulu," Gabbard said.

After the APEC summit, all but four of the cameras are to be turned over to the city Department of Transportation Services and will be used primarily for traffic monitoring.

Also Wednesday, Council members advanced on first reading a bill making it illegal to store personal property, including furniture, clothing and household items, on sidewalks, in parks, on streets and other "public property" that is owned, managed or maintained by the city.

The bill is expected to make it easier for city officials to remove the property of the homeless and others from sidewalks and parks.

Administration officials said the bill would not target homeless people, but authorities would respond to complaints called in to the city.

"We intend to have public property accessible to everyone on the islands," said Lori Nishimura, executive assistant to Mayor Peter Carlisle.

The measure advanced 8-1, with Garcia voting no, arguing that homeless would be the first ones targeted.

Councilman Romy Cachola voted in favor of the measure "with reservations."