Volunteer police program for parking and abandoned vehicles

(a) There is established within the Honolulu police department, and under the supervision of the chief of police, a volunteer policing program to use volunteers to assist the Honolulu police department in the enforcement of certain city and State laws related to abandoned and derelict vehicles and parking, including parking for persons with disabilities, and other laws designated by the chief of police. (b) The chief of police is authorized to commission volunteers as special enforcement officers to issue citations on public and private property to persons violating certain city and State laws relating to abandoned and derelict vehicles, parking, including parking for persons with disabilities, and other laws designated by the chief of police. (c) The chief of police, in cooperation with the directors of other city agencies as appropriate, shall: (1) Establish minimum qualifications for persons wishing to volunteer their services to become special enforcement officers and application procedures for volunteers; (2) Provide a required training program for police volunteers totaling not less than 20 hours, which shall include but not be limited to training on: (A) Pertinent city and State laws; (B) Identifying violators and issuing citations; (C) Use of communication and other necessary equipment; (D) Procedures to follow in the event of confrontations with suspected violators; and (E) Providing testimony in court to enforce citations; (3) Grant commissions to volunteers who have successfully completed the training program, and who are qualified as determined by the chief of police to become special enforcement officers; and (4) Provide for supervision and monitoring of the special enforcement officers while such officers are on duty. (d) Each special enforcement officer shall agree to: (1) Work a minimum number of hours per week, as determined by the chief of police; and (2) Serve at locations designated by the chief of police. (e) Each special enforcement officer who is assigned duties under this program shall: (1) Complete a volunteer application; (2) Be a United States citizen, a resident of the city, and at least 21 years of age; (3) Pass a background check conducted by the chief of police, which may include a criminal background check; (4) Possess a valid State of Hawaii driver’s license; (5) Complete the training program established by the chief of police; and (6) Be provided with an identification card. (f) The chief of police shall coordinate recruitment of volunteers.