Honolulu's police department is getting approval to add trucks to its fleet, a small but useful win for officers and for public safety during emergencies.

• Chief David Lazar approved adding Tacomas and Ford F-150s to the department's subsidized vehicle program, after years of trucks being turned down for no clear reason.
• The trucks still need to clear some paperwork steps, but final approval is expected soon.
• They'll be especially useful for rescues during floods and other severe weather.
• Lock boxes will be installed so firearms and other police gear stay secure when the trucks are in use.
• Separately, HPD is pushing to recruit more women, having signed onto a national pledge to make 30% of the force female by 2030, after its latest recruit class brought in a record 16 female recruits.

Outlook: Expect trucks on Honolulu streets as marked HPD vehicles once the remaining approvals go through, alongside continued recruiting pushes aimed at boosting female officers.