‘Learned a lot’: New HPD Chief David Lazar walks the streets with officers in Waikiki

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Just days after being sworn in, Honolulu Police Chief David Lazar is spending time with officers in the field as he begins leading the department.

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Hawaii News Now caught up with Lazar in Waikiki on the busy Fourth of July holiday, where he walked the beat with officers in the tourist district.

“I want to see what the officers are doing up close so I can get a feel for how things are going and really to be supportive and to determine what they need,” Lazar said.

Lazar said he plans to visit every patrol district to meet with officers and community members, rather than making decisions solely from his office.

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“It’s one thing to sit in my office and make decisions about how we should police this island. It’s another to be on the ground with the men and woman that are doing this work, and to learn from them and to get a really good idea of what they might need,” he added.

His next stop is the Waianae district, where he plans to ride along with patrol officers.

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