The City Council of Honolulu convened on March 8, 2025, for a Special Budget Briefing focused on the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) and its pressing challenges. The meeting highlighted three main priorities identified by the police chief: recruitment, reducing violent crime—particularly gun violence—and fostering a culture change within the department.

Council members expressed agreement on the importance of these priorities, particularly emphasizing recruitment as the foremost concern. The discussion revealed a significant increase in the police department's vacancy rate, which has risen from 320 to 435 officers since the council's inception. This alarming trend has resulted in substantial budget lapses, with HPD returning $18 million in one year and over $50 million the following year, primarily due to unspent salary funds.

A key point of discussion was the need for retention bonuses to address the staffing crisis. Council members urged the chief to expedite the implementation of these bonuses, noting the urgent need for uniformed officers who are often left to cover large areas with minimal backup. The chief acknowledged the complexity of creating incentives that would apply to both uniformed and civilian staff, but council members stressed the necessity of prioritizing retention efforts to ensure public safety and officer well-being.

The meeting concluded with a call for immediate action on retention bonuses, with council members emphasizing that this issue must be reflected in the budget as a top priority. The discussions underscored the critical state of the police department and the urgent need for effective strategies to enhance recruitment and retention, ensuring a safer community for all residents.