Maui False Alarm Reduction Program Aims to Curb “Cry Wolf” Calls

False Alarm Ordinance. Maui Now graphic.

Maui County’s new user-based false alarm reduction program goes into effect today (Monday, October 3, 2016).

Starting today, Maui County residents and businesses will now be required to register their alarm systems. For residential alarms, the initial registration cost is $25 with a $25 renewal fee every two years. Failure to register is a $50 fine. For business alarms, the initial registration cost is $50 with a $50 renewal fee every two years. Failure to register is a $100 fine.

The fees for residential false alarms are: no charge for the 1st false alarm; $25 for the 2nd false alarm; $50 for the 3rd false alarm; and $50 for subsequent false alarms.  The fees for business false alarms are: no charge for the 1st false alarm; $50 for the 2nd false alarm; $100 for the 3rd false alarm; and $150 for subsequent false alarms.

The county’s alarm ordinance defines a false alarm as:

“any alarm system activation that is communicated to the police, but which is not in response to an actual or threatened criminal act or violation. False alarms include alarm activations caused by negligence, improperly installed or maintained equipment, and efforts to summon the police for a purpose other than that for which the alarm is designed.  False alarms shall not include alarm activations for which the cause cannot be determined, is in reasonable doubt, or is beyond the control of the alarm user or alarm business.”

Maui police say the major causes of false alarms include:

Unlocked or loose doors/ windows
Children, Neighbors and Visitors
Cleaning Crews/ Repairmen/ Pet Sitters
Pets or other wildlife
User Error
Equipment Malfunction

For more information and to register, go to the CryWolf website.