HONOLULU (KHON2) — In an effort to address a pressing staffing shortage, Honolulu police are introducing substantial bonuses for 911 operators, with some incentives reaching as high as $2,000 per month. This initiative aims to retain employees and improve response times.

State Representative Darius Kila recently visited the Joint Traffic Management Center, prompted by numerous complaints about prolonged wait times for non-emergency calls.

“At times, the wait can stretch to 20 minutes just to get through to dispatch. I know they prioritize urgent calls,” Rep. Kila remarked. “When I call, it’s usually about issues like enforcing park closure hours or abandoned vehicles. Though these are non-emergencies, long hold times contribute to the perception that concerns are not being heard.”

The head of the police union acknowledged that the shortage of 911 operators is a widely recognized issue.