Full Breakdown
Delays in Hawai‘i's $7 Million Panic Button Initiative for Schools
3/6/2026, 2:52:13 AM
Overview of the Panic Button Program
The Hawai‘i Department of Education (DOE) initiated a $7 million program aimed at enhancing school safety through the installation of panic buttons and mobile apps for teachers and principals. This initiative, launched two years ago, has faced significant delays, with only one school currently equipped with the technology, which remains unused. The program's rollout has been hindered by prolonged negotiations between the DOE, school employee unions, and SaferWatch, the company contracted to provide the technology.
Background and Context
The partnership with SaferWatch began in 2023, with an initial contract of $97,000 for software to monitor threats against state officials. This was followed by a larger five-year contract worth $7 million to implement safety measures in public schools. Despite the initial enthusiasm, the DOE has struggled to finalize agreements regarding the use of the technology, particularly concerning privacy concerns raised by school staff unions.
Key Figures and Organizations
- SaferWatch: The technology provider facing scrutiny due to its former CEO's legal issues, including bribery charges.
- Mike Lambert: Director of the Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement, who has defended the procurement process.
- Sean Tajima: Assistant Superintendent of the DOE, overseeing the program's implementation.
- Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz: Advocated for prioritizing the safety initiative during budget hearings.
Challenges and Delays
The DOE initially aimed to pilot the panic buttons in 2025 and expand to all schools by the 2026-27 academic year. However, the timeline has now been extended, with the pilot program slated to begin in August 2025. The delays are attributed to ongoing negotiations with unions regarding the use of the buttons and the need for further procurement processes to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Criticism and Opposition
Concerns have been raised by school staff unions regarding the potential for the panic buttons to track employee movements, which could lead to privacy violations. Additionally, while SaferWatch has lobbied for increased funding and has successfully secured additional appropriations for school security, the state opted for a different vendor, Centegix, for panic buttons due to cost considerations.
Official Statements and Responses
Lambert stated, “We have to follow all state procurement rules,” emphasizing the checks and balances in place for large contracts. Tajima noted that the DOE is working to finalize agreements with unions and that the total costs for the program remain undetermined. He acknowledged that scaling the program statewide was not fiscally responsible.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This should be a priority,” — Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz
- “Even though it has this dark cloud over it, the product itself serves its purpose.” — Mike Lambert, Director of the Hawai‘i Department of Law Enforcement
- “I’m all in favor of doing what we can to take prudent precautions.” — Sen. Karl Rhoads
What's Next
The DOE plans to initiate a pilot program in August 2025, with hopes of eventually equipping all 258 schools with panic buttons. The ongoing negotiations with unions and the finalization of contracts with SaferWatch will be critical to the program's future success. Meanwhile, the state continues to utilize SaferWatch technology in other agencies, demonstrating its potential despite the challenges faced in the school environment.
