Hawaii Tourism Authority has awarded a $500,000 grant to the Big Island for surveillance cameras in four high-traffic areas around the island. Planners expect to have them in place by the end of 2009. Cameras will be placed on Alii Dr. in Kailua-Kona, at Akaka Falls north of Hilo, and at undisclosed locations in Hilo and Puna. Free Wi-Fi hotspots will be installed along with the cameras. Though the intention of the HTA is to create a safer environment for tourists statewide, camera installation is a bit controversial. The stance of the ACLU is this: "We highly encourage people contact their elected officials, particularly Mayor (Billy) Kenoi on the Big Island, and demand that they reject video cameras in favor of proven effective measures like hiring more police officers, increasing community policing and foot patrols, and improving lighting in our neighborhoods."
The system can hold up to 3 weeks of video. The videos will be monitored by police, and community groups such as Kailua Village Business Improvement District. The cameras will not be marked with signage.