MEDIA RELEASE

Big Island residents may now sign up to receive Hawai’i Police Department media releases and other advisories by cell phone or e-mail.

Citizens who choose to participate can decide whether they want a short text message on their cell phones, a longer message by e-mail, or both.

The service is provided free to government agencies by Nixle, LLC, which has offices in New Jersey and California. It is also free to users except for possible text message charges, depending on the user’s mobile phone plan.

The Police Department has started by using this service to distribute media releases. Police plan eventually to post other types of messages, including information about road closures.

Chief Harry Kubojiri said the Police Department is offering this service so it can deliver police-related information directly to the public.

“I encourage Hawai’i County residents to register to receive these messages,” Chief Kubojiri said. “We are responding to the community’s request for timely information.”

Nixle offers citizens the choice to receive any combination of messages categorized as “alerts,” “advisories,” “community” or “traffic.” To receive routine media releases, chose “community.”

To register to receive Nixle messages, click http://www.nixle.com and click on the button that says, “Register Now.” Once registered, go to “locations” and enter any location in Hawai’i County to start receiving messages from the Hawai’i Police Department.