HONOLULU — The installation of the first phase of the Chinatown security camera system upgrade project has been completed, announced Mayor Rick Blangiardi on Friday. Another set of new cameras will be installed later this year.

What You Need To Know

  • The new cameras and network infrastructure are a significant upgrade over the previous analog system that was installed over 20 years ago

  • Each new camera provides high-resolution video quality throughout a 360-degree view plane and comes with pan-tilt-zoom functionality

  • By the end of 2024, 42 new security cameras will cover every major intersection in the Chinatown district

The Honolulu Police Department is now conducting systems training and is monitoring seven locations in Chinatown:

  • Intersection of Hotel and Maunakea streets near HPDʻs Chinatown substation
  • Intersection of Hotel and Kekaulike streets
  • Intersection of Hotel and River streets
  • Intersection River and Pauahi streets
  • Pauahi Street near the public restroom
  • Intersection of Pauahi and Maunakea streets
  • Interesectioin of Pauahi and Smith streets

The city's Department of Information Technology installed the new cameras and network infrastructure, a significant upgrade over the previous analog system that was installed over 20 years ago stated the release. Each new camera provides high-resolution video quality throughout a 360-degree view plane and comes with pan-tilt-zoom functionality that allows for close examination of people and points of interest. It can also track movement and is equipped with flashing lights and sirens.

“These cameras are state of the art and a tremendous upgrade over anything that the city has ever utilized before, and it is impossible to overstate the impact that this new system will have in terms of making Chinatown a safer community for everyone,” said Blangiardi in a release.

“When it comes to public safety, weʻre committed to doing everything we can to make our communities feel safer in places where they live, work and play, and this is a pivotal step in creating the Chinatown we want to see,” he said.

By the end of 2024, 42 new security cameras will cover every major intersection in the Chinatown district from River Street to Bishop Street and Vineyard Boulevard to Honolulu Harbor.

“Chinatown residents have been saying it for years: we need an extra eye on our streets. HPD has been tremendously helpful, but they canʻt see everything or be everywhere,” said Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam. “These cameras are a step in the right direction. Theyʻll help ensure that no crime in Chinatown goes unnoticed. Theyʻll make this historic district safer, cleaner, and more secure.”

The estimated cost of the new camera system upgrade is $980,000, with about $450,000 coming from federal and State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.