Editorial: Hawaii policing tactics a model for nation

The front page of Monday’s Star-Advertiser revealed two disparate pathways for policing in U.S. cities: in Honolulu and Washington, D.C. One quite positive, one very negative — reverse images of what looms for the future, all depending on what citizens allow. Locally informed community policing — the model in Honolulu — versus the federal deployment of military troops where not needed nor wanted. Let’s hope communities choose wisely, and choose the positive.

To be sure, all law-abiding citizens want — deserve — safe neighborhoods and low crime rates. And yes, frustrations rise if local leaders fail to get a grip on problems that exacerbate public safety, from chronic low-level offenses to violent crimes. But unless situations grow into violent emergencies, there simply is no reason to, li