U of Hawaii Chancellor Orders Overhaul of Campus Security System

HONOLULU -- The University of Hawaii campus security system is getting an overhaul.

Chancellor Peter Englert ordered the new, tougher rules as part of a push to improve security for women and curb underage and excessive drinking.

More security officers will be hired, Englert said.

New policies will require parents be notified for major violations of dormitory alcohol policies. And beginning this fall, three "strikes" of breaking school rules could mean expulsion.

There are also programs to help with alcohol control, such as substance abuse education and alternative late-night activities during the weekends. A new counselor, student housing conduct coordinator and coordinator for alternative activities will also be hired.

The new rules come after an increase in alcohol poisoning cases on campus and sexual assaults in the nearby community.

"I'm glad to hear they're going to get serious about this," said Theresa Wee, president of Parents and Friends of UH-Manoa. "I'm glad they're following through."

Wee was a member of a task force that has been meeting since January and made 19 recommendations to improve security and address student drinking at the school.

Englert has moved on all the suggestions.

"Most students come into drinking age while they're with us," he said. "There's a responsibility on our side to provide information and guide students."

However, the university has decided against prohibiting alcohol on campus.

"If we would have a general prohibition, we would drive all of these things into the underground where it's more difficult for us to understand what's going on," Englert said.