The Honolulu Weed & Seed Initiative

The Weed & Seed Initiative is the Department of the Prosecuting Attorney (PAT) and the Honolulu Police department (HPD) led collaborative that aims to “root-out” criminal elements and “plant” revitalization efforts in the Kalihi-Palama-Chinatown area of Honolulu. This proposal plans to begin modernizing PAT’s management information systems (MIS) and creating linkages to HPD's MIS, while working to design, implement, and innovate data-driven Weed & Seed strategies that integrate geospatial mapping, geo-tracking, and artificial intelligence technologies. We will achieve this goal via the following objectives:

By March 31, 2022, complete project planning and preparation in collaboration with PAT, HPD, the University of Hawaii-Manoa and other academic, public, and private stakeholders. This includes convening a workgroup to assess and map existing MIS infrastructures, linkages and capabilities. It also includes formalizing data sharing and usage policies, procedures, and practices through memorandums of agreement.
By June 1, 2022, create project implementation and evaluation blueprints. This includes establishing key activities, timelines, performance metrics, and measures of success. It also includes conceptualizing measurement and testing methods, assigning agency roles and responsibilities, and identifying relevant design alternatives.
By August 31, 2022, install implementation and evaluation infrastructures. This includes onboarding, training and staging key personnel. It also includes testing hardware and software functionality, and procuring essential services and resources.
By October 31, 2022, launch prototype and systems pilot testing. This includes establishing continuous quality improvement policies, procedures, and practices. It also includes debugging data systems security, connectivity, and integrity parameters. It also includes optimizing data collection, storage, and analytical methods along with machine learning algorithms to ensure decisional accuracy and precision.
By September 30, 2023, evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of the Weed & Seed project (using the new prototype system) as it relates to crime reduction and community revitalization in downtown Honolulu and surrounding areas. This includes submission of Quarterly Performance Reports, Final Report, and Evaluation Report.

This project will not only benefit the residents of Kalihi, Palama and Chinatown neighborhoods, by providing a safer living environment, but also the rest of Honolulu as this area serves as the second (if not equally vibrant to Waikiki) draw for entertainment, restaurants, community events such Lunar New Year Festival, St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Hallowbaloo, Night in Chinatown Parade, etc.