QKC Announces Safety and Security Enhancements

Security personnel monitor the bus hub location at the West entrace of the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center near the Men’s Macy’s store. PC: Wendy Osher 1.21.19

The Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center in Kahului today announced safety and security enhancements at the shopping center amid concerns raised over two alleged assault incidents reported earlier this month.

One incident involved an alleged kidnapping and attempted first degree sexual assault; and the other involved an alleged robbery at gunpoint within the parking structure.

Within 24-hours, mall management says video surveillance cameras were added to both the food court and south wing restroom hallways.

Security personnel has also been added, and Maui Police Department presence has been requested, but mall management says a specific schedule will not be disclosed.

Queen Kaʻahumanu Center mall restrooms. PC: QKC

“Despite our consistent efforts, unforeseeable alleged assaults took place at the shopping center on Jan. 3 and 9, 2019. Both are being actively investigated by the Maui Police Department and QKC provides full cooperation,” mall management said in a statement.

“QKC extends its sincere condolences to the victims for the unfortunate crimes committed against them. We thank the security personnel that acted quickly and appropriately to help Maui Police Department apprehend the parties involved. As always, QKC continues to provide security measures to help deter events like this from happening,” said Toni Rojas, Vice President of Business and Community Development.

In the statement, QKC management said they seek to assure the public that the shopping center is a safe and secure environment for patrons, tenants and staff by addressing the concerns raised.

“Over the last decade, Maui County has experienced a shift in demographics, specifically in the central Maui area, which includes Queen Ka’ahumanu Center. As an easily accessible, private property with high pedestrian traffic, QKC consistently reviews tenant and customer trends, along with environmental changes, so we can consistently meet and exceed safety and security expectations,” mall management said in the statement.

Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, main entrance. PC: Wendy Osher 1.21.19

According to information provided by QKC, a professionally trained security team patrols the interior and exterior of the center on foot and by car 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Visible and vigilant throughout their patrols, the team works to deter crime by consistently observing and monitoring patrons and their activities, as well as providing preventive and safety guidance. Our security team operates in a service, rather than enforcement, role; they are unarmed and do not have a police officer’s arrest authority. The security team is trained to protect customers and tenants by enforcing QKC’s Code of Conduct and relies on the Maui Police Department to provide armed officers when violators refuse to comply with the center’s conduct policies.”

In response to claims that QKC management allegedly does not address loitering and/or disorderly conduct at the shopping center, QKC management said their policy “balances citizens’ rights with safety concerns,” saying:

Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, parking structure. PC: Wendy Osher 1.21.19

“As a privately-owned property that invites the public to visit for shopping, dining and entertainment, the center is empowered to establish our own regulations on patrons’ conduct as well as our security team’s response to inappropriate and unsafe activities occurring on the property. Our code of conduct, which prohibits loitering, disruptive or threatening behavior is enforced by our security team in a courteous, positive and professional manner. QKC has zero tolerance policy. If violators do not comply, they may be arrested by Maui Police Department officers and prosecuted for criminal trespass.”

In response to concerns about the bus transit hub located on the Wailuku side of the shopping center, QKC notified the Maui County Department of Transportation on Oct. 5, 2017 that their lease ending on Jan. 31, 2020 would not be extended as QKC’s infrastructure does not accommodate the significant increase in bus rider growth over the last 14 years.  The shopping center has served as the island’s main public transportation hub since 2005 when the County of Maui agreed to pay $1 per year.

In January 2018, the County of Maui Mayor’s office announced they had found a location and were working on funding. “QKC management offers support to ensure a seamless transition to the new bus transit hub location,” mall management said.

“Community safety and security is a result of collective consensus and public investment.”  The mall encourages the public to immediately report any violation of our Code of Conduct or suspicious activity to QKC security via phone call to (808) 877-0718 or text 451-9663. For emergencies, the public should call 9-1-1.

Mall management notes that the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center is Maui’s largest shopping mall with more than 100 shops and restaurants.  “We have been a strong and faithful community partner since opening in 1972, significantly contributing to the state’s economy and providing job opportunities for generations of local residents.”