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A great reason for a party. Halloween, a night when ghosts, fairies, jedi and zombies walk the streets together.
Local law enforcement, however, describes Halloween night in Honolulu differently - "pandemonium." Each year, the Honolulu Police Department adds reinforcements to its patrols, especially in Waikīkī.
In addition, tips for a safe Halloween are posted on the police department's Web site. Officer Eddie Croom, webmaster for HPD, said that Halloween creates major problems every year.
Part of the problem is the sheer amount of people celebrating in public, but that's not the only factor. Throw drugs and alcohol into the mix, and you have a situation that might seem fun for participants but creates a real pain for law enforcement.
"Once you put a mask on a drunk," Croom said, "you've got a problem."
There is another common problem with costumes, Croom said.
"If a person has any type of weapons in their holsters," he said, "[for example] cowboys with real guns, we have to check it to see if it's a real weapon." HPD finds an average of three real weapons each Halloween, including people using real swords and knives as part of their costumes.
Celebrators might notice a few differences, especially if they spend Halloween downtown.
"The most visible will probably be the mounted unit," Croom said. "There's nothing better for controlling a crowd like a 1,000-pound horse. It does it every time."
In addition, the number of officers in Waikīkī will be increased.
Compared to the festivities in Waikīkī, the University of Hawai'i at M�noa is relatively tame. Jim Manke, spokesperson for UH M�noa, said there hasn't really been a noticeable problem in the 13 years he has been working at UH.
In an interview with the Honolulu Advertiser, Manke said that as of 2005, the security staff of 30 guards had not increased in a dozen years. More guards have been requested this year, however, primarily in the effort to make UH a rape-free zone. Lighting and landscape improvements are also underway.
With all of the events going on this year, there should be no trouble finding something to do. If students are planning to party in Waikīkī or downtown on Halloween, the festivities will be lively, but they should keep the consequences in mind before they drink and drive, or get into a fight.
"We try to let people enjoy themselves, but we have a zero tolerance [policy]," Croom said. "We can't afford to let it get out of hand."
To contact Campus Security, call 956-6911 for emergencies and 956-8211 for non-emergencies. For the Honolulu Police Department, dial 911.
Halloween Safety Tips:
-Limit your trick-or-treating to your own neighborhood. Know where the unseen dangers are and avoid them.
-Travel in groups. You will have more fun and there is safety in numbers.
-Carry a flashlight with you if you plan to stay out after dark. Before you leave make sure the flashlight is in good working order.
-Be highly visible to motorists. Wear light colored costumes that reflect light, or add reflective tape.
-If you plan to wear a mask, cut the eye holes extra large to maximize vision, or better yet, wear stage make-up.
-Be fire-safe. Make certain your costume is flame resistant, and don't use lighted candles in your jack-o-lantern.
-Trim your costume short enough to prevent tripping.
-Don't carry sharp or pointed objects, even if they go well with your costume. You may injure yourself or another person.
-Use comfortable shoes that fit properly. High heels or costume shoes that do not fit properly may injure you.
-When driving, watch for children who may be distracted by Halloween festivities.
-Turn on your headlights early, and drive well below the posted speed limit.
-Give only commercially wrapped treats, coupons, gift certificates or coins.
-Leave your porch light on if you plan to participate in the festivities.
Source: http://www.honolulupd.org
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