URGING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH JUNIOR POLICE OFFICER PROGRAMS THROUGH SCHOOL-POLICE PARTNERSHIPS IN SCHOOLS.

This House Concurrent Resolution (HCR 16) urges the Hawaii Department of Education and Honolulu Police Department to expand existing school-police partnership programs, specifically "Junior Police Officer" initiatives, to all Oahu schools. It does not create new laws but recommends establishing these programs through current partnerships, building on existing efforts like D.A.R.E. and L.E.E.P. that already provide students with mentorship, leadership roles, and safety training. The resolution applies only to Oahu schools and focuses on making these programs accessible to all students regardless of school or grade level. As a non-binding resolution, it directs the departments to consider this expansion but does not mandate it.