The Projector: City Dispatches Some Homeless People While Improving Emergency Dispatching

Clearing the Park Kakaako Makai Gateway Park was closed Tuesday as a city maintenance crew cleared debris left behind by homeless people forced to depart this portion of a huge homeless encampment near the Children's Discovery Center that has been the focus of city, state and federal officials.
Broken Camp By the time the crew arrived, most of the people who had been living along the sidewalks — estimated at 20 to 25 — had already departed, leaving behind dead patches of grass where tents had long stood.
Moving On Sunshine Tussing unties a rope holding her tent frame alongside Ohe Street. Signs posted on the pole had given seven days' notice of the impending sweep.
Remains of the Day Items left behind by the homeless are loaded into garbage trucks on Ohe Street. Many people continue to live in other portions of the Kakaako encampment.
The Dirty Work A maintenance worker rakes trash at one of the former tent sites. The city has not yet announced what portion of the encampment it will sweep next.
A New Day for 911 Service The Honolulu Police Department held a media availability Wednesday to announce its use of new software, Smart911, to assist emergency dispatchers by allowing residents to voluntarily provide information in advance.
Taking it From the Top At police headquarters, Chief Louis Kealoha talks to reporters about the new system, calling it 'a proven program that has worked for many mainland cities.' The one-year pilot program costs $74,000.
Personal Profiles If residents are willing to provide the information, upon receiving a 911 call dispatchers will immediately see household members' health information, medical conditions, disabilities, allergies, security codes, family members' photos and pet information.
Behind the Mic Debra Keola, a 23-year veteran of the HPD dispatch center, is one of the people you might talk to if you call 911 to report an emergency in Honolulu. The center is located inside police headquarters.
Emergency Networking A wide view of the HPD dispatch center on the day its new Smart911 service was announced. For more information or to sign up, go to smart911.com.

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Cory Lum

Cory Lum was the chief photographer for Civil Beat.

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