1997-2001 Na Koa Crime Watch Program

The Na Koa (Warriors) Crime Watch program has experienced much success, since its inception. Since it was introduced in the January 1997 State-of-the-State address, as just one part of your overall crime fighting package submitted to the Legislature, numerous initiatives have been launched. Under the program, volunteer members of the HING enhance the County Police Department’s Neighborhood Security Watch and Community Policing Units in supporting civilian law enforcement efforts in neighborhoods statewide. Over 1,700 Hawaii National Guard volunteers have been trained to date. In the future, training sessions will include Department of Defense personnel and individuals from state agencies outside the DOD. Volunteer personnel are also used for patrolling State and City parks

– 1997 Annual Report pp. 1
GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY - Sgt. Dino Gonzales is interviewed by a KITV reporter about the Hawaii National Guard's involvement in the Na Koa Crime Watch program. Na Koa Watch volunteers, who enhance existing neighborhood security watches, spent summer weekends patrolling the Diamond Head lookout area, at the request of the Honolulu Police Department's Scenic Enforcement Program. Capt. Charles J. Anthony photo
GETTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS - Maj. Gen. Edward V. Richardson, the adjutant general, is joined by National Guard Bureau Chief Lt. Ge11. Edward D. Baca (left), Honolulu Police Department Chief Michael Nakamura, and 11. Col. Gervin Miyamoto, Hawaii Guard's Counterdrug officer, at the Na Koa Ku Makani stage, Bellows Air Force Station, August 1997. Capt. Charles J. Anthony photo
(Pictures from the 1997 Annual Report)

The Na Koa (Warriors) Crime Watch, first introduced by Gov. Benjamin J. Cayetano in his 1997 State-of-the-State address, is just one part of the governor’s overall crime fighting package submitted to the Legislature. The purpose of the program is to use volunteer members of the HING to enhance the County Police Department’s Neighborhood Security Watch and Community Policing Units in low risk, “eyes and ears” efforts in neighborhoods statewide. Counterdrug personnel work with the Honolulu Police Department in giving classes on the effects of drinking and driving, through the Live and Let Live program.

– 1997 Annual Report pp. 32

The Na Koa Crime Watch has grown to over 400 members strong and is on all districts of Oahu. We have just started adding new members on the Big Island and are looking to take this program to the other islands next fiscal year. Incepted in 1997 by Gov. Benjamin J. Cayetano, the program works with the county police department’s neighborhood security watch and community policing units.

– 1998 Annual Report pp. 33