Reports of non-emergency incidents can now be sent to the Honolulu Police Department using the Honolulu 311 app on your smartphone, the city announced in an email blast this morning.

If you’ve never used the app, it’s a pretty good system. I previously filed several reports using the 311 app, including reporting new graffiti in the neighborhood and, in another instance, water gushing from a broken sprinkler head at Waialae Beach Park. In both cases the Parks Department responded quickly, provided updates, and corrected the problems with little delay. So adding HPD to the mix seems quite a good move.

The free app is available for Apple’s iOS or Android mobile devices.

You can also make reports from your computer computer via the Honolulu 311 website.

Here’s the city’s email sent this morning:

As of today, we’re excited to announce that the Honolulu 311 mobile application is now being used by Honolulu Police Department to report non emergency issues, such as: Homeless Concerns, Parking Issues, Abandoned Property, and more. In addition, to make the app more user friendly, we now support submitting Service Requests without requiring a photo or video (although it really helps us when you do!). Also, you can now choose to submit reports anonymously, however, this may decrease our ability to contact you if our staff has follow up questions. Please note, if you’re already logged into the app, you’ll have to first sign out before you can begin using the app anonymously.

HPD’s website provides additional details.

The HPD service requests will include:

• Illegal parking – No blocking fire hydrant or driveway

• Homeless concerns

• Noise complaints – Vehicle alarms, construction

• Abandoned Property – Excluding vehicles/mopeds

• Gang/Drug Activity

• Game house/Gambling

• Traffic complaints

• Submit a Crime Tip (Set to Private by Default)

• Graffiti

Users will be able to view nearby requests from other users. There is an option to “Keep Request Confidential” so only you and the city can view the request and status. Or you may report anonymously.

HPD also has this warning prominently posted: DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY AND/OR IF YOU REQUIRE IMMEDIATE POLICE SERVICE. CALL 911 FOR ASSISTANCE.