HGEA raises privacy concerns over Automated License Plate Recognition cameras

The Hawai’i Government Employees Association is raising privacy and accountability concerns over the state’s use of license plate recognition cameras. HGEA leaders say the State Department of Law Enforcement’s proposal deserves full scrutiny to ensure civil liberties are protected.

HGEA Executive Director Randy Perreira released a statement saying, “We understand the desire to use every available tool to keep our communities safe and to investigate serious crimes. But public safety and individual privacy are not mutually exclusive,” he said, noting the deployment of license plate readers “raises serious questions.”

According to the Hawaiʻi Department of Law Enforcement website, Automated License Plate Recognition technology is used to support public safety and authorized investigations by identifying vehicle license plates associated with law enforcement alerts and investigative activity.

An Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) camera is the general technology, while Flock Safety is one of the leading private companies that manufactures and sells ALPR.

Perreira said that every person in Hawaiʻi has a right to expect that government surveillance will be subject to reasonable limits and appropriate safeguards. “Courts across the country, when it comes to Flock and similar technology, have recognized that traveling on a public road does not mean you surrender your reasonable expectations to privacy,” he said.

“We’re calling for full scrutiny of this latest proposal from DLE by the Hawaiʻi County Council and state lawmakers to ensure civil liberties are protected,” said Perreira.

The DLE reports it is committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible use of Automated License Plate Recognition technology. The public can review program policies here or submit questions and feedback via email to law.svt@hawaii.gov.