Governance Documents
The HIWIN system management has assembled the documents below to facilitate clearer understanding of the system and to foster uniform usage by all viable agencies.
HIWIN Policies and Procedures
The following policies are designed to establish clear guidelines for terms and definitions essential to wide-area radio communications systems, ensuring a standardized approach to maintaining the safety, security, and operational integrity of HIWIN. These policies are made available to all users of the Hawaii Wireless Interoperability Network (HIWIN), managed by HIWIN administrators.
I. Policies of the Hawaii Wireless Interoperability Network
Background: HIWIN administrators have established these policies to ensure that the HIWIN statewide radio system is managed in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations and to uphold the security and functionality of the network.
Policy: All policies will take effect upon notification to users and apply to all users of the HIWIN system until modified or revoked by the HIWIN administrators.
II. Eligible Users
Background: HIWIN operates on frequencies designated by the FCC for public safety use. Eligibility is governed by relevant federal and state regulations.
Policy: HIWIN is dedicated to supporting public safety services that protect life, health, and property. Therefore, eligible users are limited to agencies or individuals who provide direct or indirect support to these public safety objectives.
III. Voluntary Participation
Background: Use of HIWIN is voluntary for eligible public safety agencies.
Policy: Except as mandated by state policy, the participation of public safety agencies or individuals in HIWIN is entirely voluntary.
IV. Non-Commercial Use
Background: HIWIN is intended solely for public safety purposes, and the use of its frequencies for commercial activities is strictly prohibited.
Policy: HIWIN shall not be utilized by any individual, agency, or business to conduct commercial or for-profit activities, except when authorized in direct support of HIWIN’s mission.
V. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
Background: To clarify the terms of use, an MOU will outline the responsibilities and expectations of HIWIN users.
Policy: Prior to using HIWIN, agencies must execute an MOU with HIWIN administrators, outlining the roles, responsibilities, and conditions of use. Exceptions to the MOU requirement may be authorized at the discretion of HIWIN administrators in specific cases where it is deemed appropriate, ensuring that usage aligns with HIWIN policies and objectives.
VI. Security Key Requirements and Programming Restrictions
Background: The system key required to program radios onto HIWIN is a critical security asset that prevents unauthorized access and protects the integrity of the network.
Policy: The HIWIN system key remains the exclusive property of HIWIN, and its possession or use by any unauthorized individual or agency constitutes a violation under Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) §708-895 on computer trespassing. Unauthorized access or tampering with HIWIN programming constitutes computer trespassing in the first degree, a class C felony under Hawaii law. Only authorized HIWIN personnel are permitted to program radios onto the HIWIN trunked system. Any programming of HIWIN radios by unauthorized personnel is strictly prohibited and will be subject to legal action under HRS §708-895. HIWIN administrators reserve the right to audit and revoke programming access from any agency or individual who violates this policy, with immediate effect to protect network security.
VII. Network Security
Background: Secure transport of communication data within the HIWIN network is critical to maintaining system integrity and security.
Policy: HIWIN connections are strictly transported over circuits that are owned, operated, or directly managed by HIWIN. No commercial, private, or governmental networks outside of HIWIN’s control are permitted for the transmission of HIWIN data. HIWIN operates exclusively on a point-to-point, FIPS-certified encrypted network with no physical connections to external networks, ensuring complete isolation and secure communication within the HIWIN infrastructure.
VIII. Radio De-programming
Background: Radios must be de-programmed before being sold, traded, or discarded to prevent unauthorized access to HIWIN.
Policy: Agencies are responsible for ensuring that any radio removed from their inventory is de-programmed to prevent unauthorized use of HIWIN.
IX. Talkgroup Security
Background: Agency-specific talkgroups are intended for exclusive use and should not be accessed by unauthorized personnel.
Policy: Talkgroups designated for exclusive agency use may not be programmed into other radios without prior written authorization from the agency. This does not apply to mutual aid or special event talkgroups.
X. Privately Owned Radios
Background: Individuals occasionally purchase radios with the intent of accessing HIWIN.
Policy: Privately purchased radios will not be activated on HIWIN without written authorization from a public safety agency.
XI. Integration of Emerging Technology
Background: New technologies, including LTE and LMR integrations, may impact HIWIN’s performance and security.
Policy: HIWIN administrators reserve the right to prohibit third-party software or hardware that negatively impacts system capacity, performance, or security. No gateway of any type or vendor will be connected to the HIWIN network without prior authorization from HIWIN administrators. Unauthorized gateways or devices pose significant security risks and may disrupt system integrity.
XII. HIWIN Encryption
Background: HIWIN utilizes encryption to ensure secure communication across its network, protecting sensitive information during transmission. Encryption keys are centrally managed by HIWIN administrators to prevent unauthorized access and maintain communication integrity for all participating agencies.
Policy: Encryption keys are the exclusive property of HIWIN and may only be accessed, distributed, or modified by authorized HIWIN personnel. Unauthorized possession or use of encryption keys is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action under relevant Hawaii statutes. Only HIWIN-provided encryption keys may be used on the network. No agency is permitted to use any encryption key not directly issued or approved by HIWIN administrators, ensuring standardized encryption across all users. Encryption compliance is mandatory for all users of HIWIN when transmitting sensitive information. Agencies are required to maintain updated encryption protocols in line with HIWIN standards.
XIII. Dispatch Console Integration
Background: Dispatch consoles play a critical role in the functionality and management of the HIWIN network. To ensure compatibility, security, and optimal performance, the addition and configuration of dispatch consoles must be carefully managed.
Policy: No dispatch consoles shall be connected to the HIWIN network without prior approval from HIWIN administrators. Agencies must coordinate all dispatch console purchases and integration plans with HIWIN staff prior to purchase. This coordination ensures that all equipment meets HIWIN standards and aligns with network requirements, protecting the integrity and performance of the system.
XIV. Private Calls (Unit-to-Unit Calls)
Background: Private calls, also known as unit-to-unit calls, can place additional strain on system resources and impact overall network performance.
Policy: Private calls on the HIWIN network are prohibited without prior approval from HIWIN administrators. Agencies seeking to utilize unit-to-unit communication must request authorization, allowing HIWIN staff to assess system resource availability and ensure that such usage aligns with network capacity and operational needs.
XV. Violation of Policy
Background: Policies are essential for maintaining HIWIN’s integrity and safe operation.
Policy: HIWIN administrators reserve the right to limit or terminate any user’s access to HIWIN upon confirmation of policy violations.
New User Application
Below are links to the two most used documents, New Applications and the New ID Request. Please start with the New User Application where we collect the necessary information used by the system management to create provide your agency with the radio environment needed including all applicable talk groups.
User ID Request
Submit the ID request contained in the link below.
Inter-Agency Talk Group Governance
HIWIN’s Approved List of P25 Radios: Diverse Choices for Optimal Communication
The Hawaii Wireless Interoperability Network (HIWIN) is committed to ensuring that our first responders are equipped with reliable and effective communication tools. To achieve this, we have compiled an extensive list of approved P25 radios. These radios are selected for their compatibility with the HIWIN system and their ability to meet the diverse needs of our emergency services personnel.
Comprehensive Selection for Diverse Needs
Our approved list includes a variety of models from several leading manufacturers, ensuring that every team can find the radio that best suits their operational requirements.
Motorola Series
- APX900, APX1000, APX4000, APX6000, APX8000
- APX Next, NEXT XN
- NEXT N30, N50, N70
- APX 4500, 6500, 8500
- XTS 5000 and XTL 5000 (by approval only)
Kenwood EF Johnson Series
- VP5000, VP6000, VP8000
- VM5000, VM7000
- VP600, VP900
Harris Series
- XG75p, XG75M
- XL200P, XL200M
- XL400P, XG100M
- XL185, XG95
ICOM Series
- IC-F7540, IC-F7040T
Your Choice, Our Support
We do not endorse any specific manufacturer over another. Our goal is to provide a range of high-quality options, ensuring interoperability and reliability within the HIWIN system. Each model on our list has been carefully evaluated to ensure it meets our stringent criteria for performance and durability in the demanding field of public safety.
Need More Options? Contact Us!
If you do not see a radio model that you are interested in, or if you have specific requirements, please reach out to the HIWIN team. We are here to assist and guide you in selecting the best radio to meet your unique needs.
Ensuring Seamless Communication
Choosing from our approved list guarantees that your equipment is fully compatible with the HIWIN network, ensuring seamless communication across various agencies and scenarios. Whether it’s a routine operation or an emergency situation, having the right radio can make all the difference.
Stay Informed, Stay Connected
We encourage all departments and agencies to stay informed about the latest in communication technology and to choose their equipment wisely. The HIWIN team is dedicated to providing ongoing support and guidance in your selection process.
For any further information, guidance, or to request the approval of a specific model, please do not hesitate to contact the HIWIN team. We are here to ensure that Hawaii’s first responders are always connected, with the best tools at their disposal.