The honolulu police department (HPD) is responsible for analyzing evidence associated with criminal investigations for the city and county of honolulu

The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) received a $600,000 Formula Grant award from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Comprehensive Forensic DNA Analysis Grant Program (CFDA 16.036). The grant, effective from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026, supports HPD's efforts to enhance its DNA testing capabilities and reduce DNA processing backlogs. Key project activities include hiring DNA criminalists, processing casework samples using overtime funding, purchasing reagents for casework and database analysis, and providing continuing education to staff. Expected outcomes include the analysis of 250 sexual assault kits, 180 property crime requests, and 1,000 database samples. This funding allows HPD to continue offering free DNA testing services to law enforcement agencies across the state of Hawaii, as it maintains the only DNA laboratory in the state.

The HPD maintains the only DNA laboratory in the state of hawaii and as a result is also responsible, by statute, for the states convicted offender databasing program and testing sexual assault kits for other jurisdictions in the state. The HPD does not receive state funding to maintain the offender database.casework testing is offered free of charge because many law enforcement agencies do not have the means to pay for services.through capacity enhancement for backlog reduction grant funding, the HPD has been able to continue offering free DNA testing services to agencies in need. Project activities include hiring DNA criminalists, processing casework samples using overtime funding, purchasing reagents for casework and database analysis, and providing continuing education to staff.expected outcomes include the analysis of 250 sexual assault kits, 180 property crime requests, and 1,000 database samples.