Privately owned automobiles used for police service (subsidized
vehicles) shall comply with the specifications and guidelines
established herein.
APPROVED VEHICLE LISTS
A. Unless otherwise approved in writing by the Chief of
Police, the only authorized subsidized vehicles are
those specified on the attached approved vehicle
lists. Vehicles are listed by year and model.
B. Officers may propose vehicles to be considered for the
approved vehicle lists.
1. A vehicle shall be proposed by submitting a Request
for Subsidized Vehicle Evaluation e-form via the chain
of command to the commander of the Information
Technology Division (ITD).
2. The proposed vehicle shall comply with all of the
standards, specifications, restrictions, etc.,
established in this directive. It shall also be
readily available for physical inspection by the
ITD at the time the proposal is submitted.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
A. Wheelbase
The wheelbase shall be no less than 100 inches.
B. Engine Size
1. Engines with eight cylinders shall have a maximum
displacement of 400 cubic inches.
2. Engines shall have a minimum of four cylinders.
C. Fuel
1. Only gasoline engines are acceptable.
2. The department dispenses only 89 octane-level
gasoline for all subsidized vehicles.
D. Tire Size
Tires shall fit the standard rim for the vehicle, not
exceed ten inches in width, and not extend beyond the
width of the fenders. Rim and tire sizes shall be the
same for all four wheels with the only exception being
noted for a specific vehicle on the approved vehicle
lists.
E. Seat Belts
There shall be at least four sets of properly working
seat belts, which shall include a set for the driver.
F. Tinted Windows
Factory and aftermarket tinting/glazing of windows and windshields is permitted only if visible light transmission standards required by federal and state laws/regulations are maintained. Tinting/glazing material shall not contain or include any graphic design elements (e.g., images and letters).
When necessary for the installation of a
glass-mounted antenna, the Telecommunications Systems Section (TSS) may remove a section of tinting (about two inches square) from the rear window. The department shall not be responsible for replacing or repairing the tinting on that window.
G. Stickers, Decals, and License Plate Frames
The display of stickers, decals, posters, placards,
license plate frames, or other promotional material
that is political or promotional in nature is not
permitted on subsidized vehicles without prior
approval by the Chief of Police.
PROHIBITED VEHICLES AND ITEMS
The following vehicles and items are prohibited:
A. Convertibles, simulated convertible roofs, and
sunroofs, including roofs with any portion that is
translucent or may be opened/removed;
B. Models manufactured and/or marketed as sports cars;
C. Models equipped with racing-associated and/or quasi racing-associated parts, including race-like body paint/trim and race or ghost stripes. (Standard factory “pin-stripes” are acceptable;)
D. Vehicles requiring a reconstruction permit as defined
by law;
E. Models with spoilers, except those specified as
approved with spoilers on the approved vehicle lists.
(An approval applies only to the spoiler, which is a
standard item in a specified model’s package. Any
expense involving spoilers shall be borne by the
officer;)
F. Front end covers, commonly referred to as “car
brassieres” or “car bras;”
G. Hood air/debris deflectors (“bug” shields) of any
kind;
H. Out-of-state and special license plates. (License
plates from other counties within the state may be
used. However, only vehicles registered with the City
and County of Honolulu will be tax exempt.) Veteran
specialty plates and organizational plates with the
America United decals are permitted;
I. Models that take longer than ten seconds to accelerate
from zero to sixty miles per hour by manufacturer
specifications;
J. Rims not produced by the automobile manufacturer,
commonly referred to as after-market or nonfactory
rims, including all magnesium, Centerline, spoke, and
similarly styled rims; and
K. All makes, models, and sub-models not specifically
listed on the attached approved vehicle lists, unless
a vehicle is authorized by the Chief of Police or a
section in this directive.
The authority of this list takes precedence over the
fact that an item may be part of a model listed on the
attached approved vehicle lists.
EXCEPTIONS
A. Certain nonconforming vehicles may be used by officers
in the Canine Unit only while they are assigned to
that unit. In each case, officers shall receive prior
written approval from the Administrative Bureau chief
via the chain of command to use these vehicles.
B. The Chief of Police may authorize a subsidized vehicle
that has a hybrid engine (i.e., gasoline and electric
powered) and minimum of four cylinders. The only
vehicles authorized with such exceptions are specific
models that are listed on the approved vehicle lists.
APPEARANCE AND PERFORMANCE
A. Alterations
Automobile parts and external accessories, including
rims, shall not be removed, added, or exchanged to
alter the appearance or performance of the vehicle.
The appearance and performance of the vehicle must be
held constant with those features present at the time
the vehicle was approved.
B. Appearance
The Chief of Police may remove from police subsidized
service any vehicle that does not meet the following
standards:
1. Equipment, parts, and interior and exterior
attachments shall operate in accordance and/or
comply with applicable safety standards, laws,
regulations, ordinances, and departmental
directives;
2. The exterior, including devices installed by the
manufacturer for the proper operation/function of
any part of the vehicle (door hinges, trunk lid,
balance rods, hood springs and hinges), shall be
free of defects, excessive rust, and improperly
operating parts;
The exterior shall be free of unfinished paint
and unsightly rust.
Exception: Cars with areas of unfinished paint
due to paint damage, rust, or accident repair may
remain in service for no more than two weeks. An
extension beyond the two weeks may be granted
only by the Chief of Police;
4. The interior shall be free of objects, equipment,
or material not related to police service; and
5. Exhaust and emission controls shall comply with
federal, state, and county laws and ordinances.
C. Others
The Chief of Police may remove a vehicle from service
or order repairs for other conditions that would
impede its proper operation or function.
EMERGENCY LIGHTS
A. Blue Lights
1. No blue illumination devices other than those
issued by the department shall be affixed,
displayed, or utilized.
2. Cheetah bar adaptors shall be used for vehicles
without rain gutters.
Adaptors shall be obtained through the TSS.
Also, adaptors shall be limited to those which
have been approved by the Chief of Police.
3. Visor-mounted blue lights, which are issued to
officers in plainclothes assignments (both
permanent and temporary), shall be returned to
the Property and Supply Section, Finance
Division, by these officers as soon as they are
no longer with that particular plainclothes
assignment.
4. Blue lights that are installed by the TSS shall
not be altered or relocated.
B. Alternating Headlight Flashers
Officers may purchase and install at their own expense
alternating headlight flashers on subsidized vehicles.
Any such personally owned lights and related materials
(e.g., flashers, switches, fuses, wires, etc.) shall
not connect in any way to departmental equipment and
materials.
TIME LIMIT USE OF VEHICLE
A. The time limit use of a subsidized vehicle, including
extensions, shall be that which is established in the
appropriate bargaining unit agreement. However, a
vehicle may not be put into service if it is at or beyond
the standard (without extensions) time limit.
B. Extension Request Procedure
1. The requesting officer shall submit completed
“Extension” e-forms at least 30 days and no more
than 120 days prior to expiration of the standard
time limit and each succeeding extension year(s)
according to the appropriate collective bargaining unit agreement. The
e-form can be accessed at the city’s intranet
electronic forms Web site
To submit the extension request, click on
Each submittal shall have the
following items scanned and attached to the
e-form:
a. Certificate of Motor Vehicle Registration
and
b. Current, certified Motor Vehicle Inspection
Application (safety check).
2. The requesting officer shall have the vehicle
inspected by the immediate supervisor.
a. If a vehicle complies, the immediate
supervisor shall provide comments of
approval on the e-form and review and send
it to the commanding officer or designee.
b. If a vehicle does not comply, the inspecting
officer shall list the reason(s) for the
rejection in the “comments” section and deny
and send the e-form back to the requesting
officer.
c. If the e-form is approved, the requesting
officer shall call the automotive equipment
superintendent of the Vehicle Maintenance
Section to schedule an appointment to have
the vehicle inspected.
3. The automotive equipment superintendent shall
inspect and road test the vehicle to ensure
mechanical soundness for police service.
4. The automotive equipment superintendent shall
note any findings and recommendations and then
approve and send the e-form to the Finance
Division.
5. The fiscal officer shall approve or deny the
request for extension based on the
recommendations of the inspecting officer, the
automotive equipment superintendent, and
conditions set forth within departmental
directives.
6. Officers who have not received approval for the
extended use of their subsidized vehicles or have
not replaced their vehicles by the end of the
approved extension period may have their
automobile allowance revoked or adjusted.
D. Temporary Replacement Request Procedure
1. The requesting officer shall submit a completed
replacement e-form within two working days from
the date that his or her subsidized vehicle is not
available for use. The e-form can be accessed at
the city’s intranet electronic forms Web site
To submit the extension request,
Each submittal shall explain or
contain:
a. The status of the subsidized vehicle;
b. The dates the subsidized vehicle will be
temporarily out of service;
c. The reason for the request (motor vehicle
collision, criminal property damage, or
general repairs);
d. An attached copy of the applicable police
report to the e-form;
e. A brief explanation for the request; and
f. If the incident occurred on duty, off duty,
or during special duty.
2. When a motorized officer’s subsidized vehicle is
unavailable for official use, a temporary vehicle
may be used if it meets the specifications for
subsidized vehicles as set forth in departmental
directives.
3. Officers who request the use of a temporary
vehicle from the attached “Approved Vehicles” list
shall provide the make, model, year, and license
plate number of the vehicle. A temporary vehicle
may not be used if it is already at or above eight
years old.
4. Officers who do not have a temporary vehicle on
the attached “Approved Vehicles” list must request
the use of a city-owned patrol vehicle with an
automobile allowance adjustment.
5. Officers whose subsidized vehicle is damaged on
duty shall be allowed to use a city-owned patrol
vehicle while on duty. Automobile allowance shall
be adjusted in accordance with the Unit 12
bargaining agreement.
6. Other temporary vehicle requests shall be
explained in a brief narrative in the space
provided on the e-form.
7. The requesting officer shall have the e-form
approved by the immediate supervisor and the
element commander or designee.
8. The fiscal officer or designee shall approve or
deny the request.
NEW MOTORIZATION PROCESS
A. Upon being motorized, an officer shall submit an
e-form for an approved subsidized vehicle to his or
her supervisor within 21 calendar days. If an officer
does not meet this deadline, the officer shall be
reassigned to a nonmotorized position and become
ineligible for a motorized position for one year.
B. A completed “New (Initial)” e-form is required to
obtain authorization of a vehicle for police service.
The form can be accessed at the city’s intranet
electronic forms Web site
C. The requesting officer shall have the vehicle
inspected by his or her immediate supervisor. The
immediate supervisor shall ensure that the vehicle
complies with departmental requirements and verify the
information listed on the e-form.
1. If the vehicle complies, the inspecting officer
shall approve and send the e-form to the element
commander or designee.
2. If the vehicle does not comply, the inspecting
officer shall deny and close the e-form. The
reason(s) for rejection shall be listed in the
“comments” section.
3. If the vehicle is rejected, the officer may take
corrective measures and submit another e-form.
D. Upon approval by the commander, the e-form shall be
forwarded to the “HPD/Vehicle Mileage” mailbox.
E. If the e-form is approved, the officer shall:
1. Call the TSS to schedule an appointment to install
the radio equipment;
2. Contact the ITD to schedule a class if a mobile
data computer will be issued; and
3. Check his or her city e-mail to determine whether
the Finance Division approved the request. If the
request is approved, the officer shall obtain the
Department of Motor Vehicle and Licensing (DMVL)
letter at the Finance Division and take the letter
and one copy to a satellite city hall for
processing. Additionally, the officers shall
carry a copy of the letter to the Finance Division
within five business days.
a. Upon the return of the letter to the Finance
Division, the officer will receive a city and
county limited-liability insurance card. The
officer shall be responsible for acquiring
additional coverage for the vehicle.
b. A copy of the processed letter shall be taken
to the Property and Supply Section to obtain
any necessary equipment.
F. Vehicles Without Current Hawaii License Plates
The “License No.” box can be left blank on the
e-form. The plate number can be obtained when the
DMVL letter is processed at a satellite city hall.
REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES
A subsidized vehicle shall be registered in the name of the
officer using the vehicle or in joint registration with the
spouse, a member of the immediate family, or the leasing
company.
A. Vehicle Weight Tax
Subsidized vehicles shall be exempt from weight taxes
as long as they are used for police service.
B. Out-of-State Vehicle
1. In most cases, vehicles purchased and registered
on the mainland qualify for Hawaii license plates
under the department’s tax-exempt status upon
approval for official police service.
2. The officer shall process the registration
through the Finance Division as soon as the
vehicle is approved for police service.
3. The officer who is purchasing and registering a
new car on the mainland for use as a subsidized
vehicle is responsible for checking with the DMVL
about registration requirements.
C. Annual Registration Renewal Procedures
1. A Certificate of Motor Vehicle Registration
renewal for a subsidized vehicle will be mailed
to the officer’s home about 45 days before the
registration expires.
2. After ensuring that the correct mailing address
is on the registration, the officer shall forward
the renewal application (with current certified
Motor Vehicle Inspection Application, safety
check, and citation clearance, if required) to
the Finance Division.
3. A vehicle that is used for police service beyond
the eight years must have an approved extension
request prior to submitting the registration
renewal application for tax exemption. Officers
shall provide a printed copy of the approved
extension request e-form with the renewal
application.
4. The Finance Division will stamp “HPD EXEMPT” on
the renewal application and forward it to the
DMVL.
5. A new emblem and registration certificate will be
mailed directly to the officer.
6. If renewal is due but a renewal application is
not received by an officer, the officer has ten
working days prior to the expiration date to hand
carry the current registration certificate (with
safety check and citation clearance, if required)
to the Finance Division for renewal processing.
The officer shall proceed to a satellite city
hall to receive a new registration form.
Officers with an expired registration certificate
may have their automobile allowance revoked or
adjusted.
D. MOTORIZED TO A NONMOTORIZED POSITION, RETIREMENT, OR
RESIGNATION
1. The officer shall submit a “Terminate Subsidy”
e-form.
a. The form can be accessed at the city’s
intranet electronic forms Web site
b. List in the comments section the date of
departure from the Honolulu Police
Department or the date of nonmotorization.
c. Submit the e-form to the immediate
supervisor for approval.
2. Upon the approval of the immediate supervisor,
the e-form shall be forwarded to the element
commander or designee.
3. Upon the approval of the element commander, the
e-form shall be forwarded to the “HPD/Vehicle
Mileage” mailbox.
4. The officer shall make an appointment with the
TSS to remove all police equipment within five
calendar days of the effective date of the
personnel order. The removed, issued radio and
siren equipment shall be returned to the TSS and
mobile data computer (if issued) shall be
returned to the ITD.
5. The officer shall check his or her city e-mail to
determine whether the Finance Division approved
the request. If the request is approved, the
officer shall obtain the DMVL letter at the
Finance Division and take the letter and one copy
to a satellite city hall for processing. The
officer will be required to pay any owed vehicle
taxes at that time. The processed copy shall be
hand carried to the Finance Division before the
close of the business day.
6. Upon the return of the DMVL letter to the Finance
Division, the officer shall return the issued
city and county limited-liability insurance card.
As of the effective date of the personnel order,
the officer shall be responsible for all
liability insurance claims on his or her vehicle
and all applicable vehicle taxes, such as the
weight tax.
7. The officer shall return all blue lights (i.e.,
visor and/or blue dome light with Cheetah strap)
to the Property and Supply Section within five
calendar days of the effective date of the
personnel order.
TRANSFERENCE OF SUBSIDIZED VEHICLE STATUS
The Transfer e-form shall be used to remove subsidy for a
current vehicle and replace the subsidy with another
vehicle. This form can be accessed at the city’s intranet
electronic forms Web site
A. The requesting officer shall have the vehicle being
brought into service inspected by the immediate
supervisor.
B. The supervisor shall ensure that the vehicle complies
with departmental requirements and verify all
information listed on the form.
1. If it complies, the inspecting officer shall
approve and send the e-form to the element
commander or designee.
2. If it does not comply, the inspecting officer
shall deny and close the e-form. The reason(s)
for rejection shall be listed in the “comments”
section. If the vehicle is rejected, the
requesting officer may take corrective measures
and submit another e-form.
C. Upon approval by the commander, the e-form shall be
forwarded to the “HPD/Vehicle Mileage” mailbox.
D. The requesting officer shall call the TSS to schedule
an appointment for removal of the radio and other
related equipment in the current subsidized vehicle
and installation into the new vehicle being brought
into service.
E. The officer shall check his or her city e-mail to
determine whether the Finance Division approved the
request. If the request is approved, the officer
shall obtain the DMVL letter at the Finance Division
and take the letter and one copy to a satellite city
hall for processing.
1. The officer shall be responsible for any owed
city and county taxes on the vehicle being
removed from service.
2. The processed copy shall be hand carried to the
Finance Division within five business days.
3. Upon the return of the DMVL letter to the Finance
Division, the officer shall transfer his or her
city and county limited-liability insurance card
to the new subsidized vehicle. The officer shall
be responsible for acquiring additional coverage
for the vehicle and insurance coverage for the
vehicle being removed from service.
CHANGING LICENSE PLATE NUMBERS
If the license plate number of the vehicle is changed and
there are no other changes related to the ownership of the
vehicle, the officer shall inform the Finance Division via
an interdepartmental memorandum. The memorandum shall
include a copy of the new certificate of registration
showing the new license plate number.