Hawaii Police Department
Traffic Services Section
Office of the Chief
Deputy Chief Harry S. Kubojiri
Phone: 961-2244
November 1, 2007
Media Release
The Hawaii Police Department is asking for the public’s cooperation during a large unpermitted march planned for Saturday (November 3) in Hilo.
The organizer of the “March for Humanity” has announced that 500-to-1,000 participants, including children, will congregate at Borders Books on Makaala Street on Saturday morning and then walk on Kanoelehua Avenue to Kamehameha Avenue until they reach either the soccer field area in the vicinity of the King Kamehameha statue or Mo’oheau Bandstand in downtown Hilo.
Due to concerns for the safety of pedestrians and motorists, the State Highways Division and the Hawaii Police Department denied permits to close these main thoroughfares. The Police Department cannot provide the manpower necessary to protect the marchers, motorists and onlookers without the use of special duty officers, which are required for this type of road closure. The march organizer was informed of all requirements necessary for obtaining road closure permits but has failed to comply. Despite failing to obtain the necessary permits according to law, the Police Department has been informed that the march will still take place.
The Police Department supports the marchers’ constitutional rights of assembly and free speech but asks participants to march on sidewalks and not in the streets, to be mindful of the high volume of vehicular traffic and to obey all traffic laws.
Police also urge motorists to exercise extreme caution while the march is in progress.
