Posted on: Saturday, August 4, 2001

Horse patrol corralled by budget cuts

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

A few people have seen them patrolling city parks and beaches. A few more saw them standing by at Ala Moana Park during the Asian Development Bank conference, waiting to be called in if needed for crowd control.

But the Honolulu Police Department's mounted patrol is a rare sight, and may remain that way for the foreseeable future because of budget cuts.

Without enough money to operate full-time, only four of the original 10 police officers remain who were part of the horse patrol unit when it was dedicated in September.

Most of the time, the officers work normal patrol duties, using cars.

"The horse unit was only intended to be used on a part-time, as-needed basis," said Michelle Yu, spokeswoman for the police department. The department was unable to provide budget figures for the unit.

The heyday of training and patrolling, made possible by the department's preparations for the Asian Development Bank conference, began in January and ended July 24.

During those months, the horses were taught to wade into situations most horses would flee. They could control crowds and patrol parks and beaches, said Sgt. Deborah Wilson, mounted unit supervisor.

The horses, who belonged to the officers themselves, no longer get city-provided digs and oats at New Town & Country Stables in Waimanalo.

And though they've returned to their pastures, they won't stay there if some of the dismounted officers get their way.

"The units on the Mainland have foundations, they seek donations," Wilson said. "We're going to fight this."