Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Tuesday, March 25, 1997

Troubles at libraries
explain use of guards

Why is it necessary to have a security guard on duty during the day at Manoa Library? Is this state policy? Are there full-time guards at all the other public libraries and is this the best use of our tax dollars?

Actually, Manoa Library first was assigned a part-time guard in 1989, after problems with vandalism, cars being broken into, rock-throwing and fights, the latter especially on weekday afternoons when library use is heavy, said Sally Toyama, young adult services librarian at Manoa.

The position was vacant between 1994 and 1996, during which time a woman reported being raped on the grounds of the library in the daytime.

A part-time guard was again assigned to Manoa Library last July, Toyama said.

Library security positions, for the past several years, have been administered by the state Department of Public Safety, said Keith Fujio, administrative services officer for the public library system. Besides hiring private guards under contract, the department also assigns some of its own personnel to different libraries.

"Every year, we do an updated listing of the libraries," Fujio said. The Department of Public Safety then assigns guards to libraries, taking into consideration such factors as population growth in different areas, as well as the number of incidents reported, including vandalism, theft, drug activity, etc.

The Department of Public Safety then "tries to accommodate us," based on the budget and guards available, Fujio said. The 1996-97 security budget for the libraries is $480,000, although that may be cut next year, he said.

The use of private guards gives libraries greater flexibility in utilizing them where they may be needed most, Fujio said.

On Oahu, private guards can be found at the state library (two), Aiea, Aina Haina, Ewa Beach, Hawaii Kai, Kahuku, Kailua, Liliha, Wahiawa, Waianae and Waipahu. Security attendants provided by public safety are assigned to Kaneohe, Kaimuki, Kalihi-Palama, McCully-Moiliili, Mililani, Ewa Beach, Salt Lake-Moanalua, Waimanalo and Waikiki-Kapahulu.