The Kaua`i Police hope everyone has a happy New Year. But police officers are also preparing, like good scouts, for those folks who can’t or won’t celebrate legally and safely. Police chief George Freitas said more officers than usual will
The Kaua`i Police hope everyone has a happy New Year.
But police officers are also preparing, like good scouts, for those folks who can’t or won’t celebrate legally and safely.
Police chief George Freitas said more officers than usual will be on duty for New Year’s Eve. For the expected peak period of activity, from “8 p.m. to 1 a.m. or so,” there will be as much as triple the usual contingent of 10 patrol officers and three supervisors, he said.
“Some detectives are also coming in. If it gets quiet early, people can be let go. But if not, we’re out there,” he explained.
Freitas means “we” literally.
“There will be some command staff,” including him, on patrol, too, he said. “But we’ll be trying to stay out of the way of those who are working, doing their jobs.” In addition, there are certain officers assigned solely to monitor fireworks, checking permits and issuing citations to noisy celebrants who are sans permits. A new state law requires citizens to purchase a permit for $25 before being able to buy firecrackers and the like.
Fire inspector Russell Yee laughed when asked about any special Kaua’i Fire Department preparations.
“The only extra guy is me, because I’m the only one in prevention. I’ll be checking the retailers to ensure they are selling the right merchandise,” Yee said.
Wilcox Memorial Hospital officials reported there will be no extra emergency room personnel slated for duty tonight.
According to Kaua`i County spokeswoman Beth Tokioka, Mayor Maryanne Kusaka won’t be attending any public functions.
“She’ll be celebrating privately with friends,” Tokioka said.
Staff writer Dennis Wilken can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) and dwilken@pulitzer.net
