What is the Crime Rate in Hawaii?
Hawaii is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and relaxed atmosphere. However, like any other state, it is not immune to crime. In this article, we will delve into the crime rate in Hawaii, exploring the types of crimes that occur, the rates of criminal activity, and what is being done to combat it.
Overall Crime Rate
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, which collects and analyzes crime data from law enforcement agencies across the United States, Hawaii has a relatively low crime rate compared to other states. In 2020, the overall crime rate in Hawaii was 2,434.1 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is lower than the national average of 3,450.5 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Types of Crimes
While the overall crime rate in Hawaii is low, there are still various types of crimes that occur on the islands. Here are some of the most common crimes in Hawaii:
- Property Crimes: Property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, account for the majority of crimes in Hawaii. In 2020, there were 33,646 property crimes reported in Hawaii, which is a rate of 1,443.1 per 100,000 inhabitants.
- Violent Crimes: Violent crimes, such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, are less common in Hawaii. In 2020, there were 1,534 violent crimes reported in Hawaii, which is a rate of 65.6 per 100,000 inhabitants.
- Drug-Related Crimes: Drug-related crimes, such as drug trafficking and drug possession, are also a concern in Hawaii. In 2020, there were 1,436 drug-related crimes reported in Hawaii, which is a rate of 61.9 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Crime Rates by Island
While the overall crime rate in Hawaii is low, there are variations in crime rates across the different islands. Here is a breakdown of the crime rates by island:
| Island | Overall Crime Rate (per 100,000 inhabitants) | Property Crime Rate (per 100,000 inhabitants) | Violent Crime Rate (per 100,000 inhabitants) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oahu | 2,511.1 | 1,444.1 | 64.5 |
| Maui | 2,344.9 | 1,363.1 | 60.1 |
| Kauai | 2,136.1 | 1,241.9 | 53.1 |
| Hawaii (Big Island) | 2,041.9 | 1,134.9 | 48.5 |
| Lanai | 1,644.9 | 934.9 | 36.5 |
| Molokai | 1,444.9 | 844.9 | 32.5 |
Crime Hotspots
While crime can occur anywhere, there are certain areas in Hawaii that are more prone to criminal activity. Here are some of the crime hotspots in Hawaii:
- Honolulu: Honolulu, the capital city of Hawaii, is one of the most populous cities in the state and has a higher crime rate compared to other islands. In 2020, there were 43,416 crimes reported in Honolulu, which is a rate of 2,511.1 per 100,000 inhabitants.
- Waikiki: Waikiki, a popular tourist destination in Honolulu, is known for its high crime rate. In 2020, there were 1,346 crimes reported in Waikiki, which is a rate of 2,443.9 per 100,000 inhabitants.
- Kakaako: Kakaako, a neighborhood in Honolulu, is known for its high crime rate. In 2020, there were 544 crimes reported in Kakaako, which is a rate of 2,931.9 per 100,000 inhabitants.
Efforts to Combat Crime
The Hawaii Police Department (HPD) and other law enforcement agencies in Hawaii are working to combat crime and reduce the crime rate. Here are some of the efforts being made:
- Community Policing: The HPD is implementing community policing strategies to build trust with the community and prevent crime. This includes community outreach programs, neighborhood watch programs, and police-citizen partnerships.
- Crime Prevention: The HPD is also focusing on crime prevention through education and awareness. This includes providing information to the public on how to prevent crime, such as securing homes and businesses, and reporting suspicious activity to the police.
- Technology: The HPD is using technology to combat crime, including surveillance cameras, license plate readers, and forensic analysis.
- Collaboration: The HPD is working with other law enforcement agencies, including federal agencies, to combat crime and share intelligence.
Conclusion
While crime can occur anywhere, Hawaii has a relatively low crime rate compared to other states. However, there are still various types of crimes that occur on the islands, and certain areas are more prone to criminal activity. To combat crime, the Hawaii Police Department and other law enforcement agencies are implementing community policing strategies, crime prevention programs, and using technology to reduce the crime rate. By working together, we can make Hawaii a safer and more enjoyable place for residents and visitors alike.
Table: Crime Rates in Hawaii (2020)
| Category | Number of Crimes | Rate per 100,000 Inhabitants |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime | 44,180 | 2,434.1 |
| Property Crime | 33,646 | 1,443.1 |
| Violent Crime | 1,534 | 65.6 |
| Drug-Related Crime | 1,436 | 61.9 |
Bullets: Crime Prevention Tips
• Secure your home and business by locking doors and windows, and using security cameras and alarms.
• Report suspicious activity to the police immediately.
• Keep valuables out of sight and avoid leaving them in plain view.
• Avoid walking alone at night and use well-lit and populated areas.
• Keep your car doors and windows locked, and park in well-lit and populated areas.
• Avoid using ATMs and parking lots that are not well-lit and populated.
