The city plans to spend nearly $400 million next year on its EMS, police and fire departments — the most spent on public safety in more than a decade.

The increased spending on salaries, equipment, facilities and new programs is included in budget proposals submitted to the City Council by the Hannemann administration and individual city departments.

The city proposes $350 million for operating expenses, including salaries and equipment for Honolulu police, firefighters and emergency services technicians, in its budget for fiscal year 2009.

Public safety is the largest chunk of the city's operating budget, at more than 19 percent. The fire and police departments' operating expenses would increase 13.2 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively, if the City Council approves the proposed increases.

Another $44.3 million is earmarked for capital improvements.

"I've always said that the most important job of a mayor is providing for the safety and security of his city," Mayor Mufi Hannemann said. "In Honolulu's case, that applies to citizens as well as visitors. I am happy to report that we are one of the safest major cities in America and our citizens are cared for and protected by well-trained professionals who deserve our support.

"Their hard work should be aided by the best equipment, competitive pay, adequate staffing and state-of-the-art facilities."

If approved by the City Council, the fiscal year 2009 budget would include $9.75 million for construction and equipment for HFD, $11.17 million in renovations and equipment for HPD, and $40,000 for building improvements for Emergency Medical Services.

HPD's operating budget, the largest of the three at more than $210 million, includes money for salaries, including a scheduled pay raise, the increased cost of gasoline, and money to pay for the department's fleet of subsidized vehicles.

The department asked for 226 new officer positions but was given five, and Honolulu police Chief Boisse P. Correa said he hopes there comes a time when money is available to adequately staff all patrol beats on the Island at all times.

During a budget committee hearing earlier this month, Correa pointed to the expansion of law enforcement forces in Los Angeles and other cities, mentioning that those departments are supported by several other agencies.

"We're a one-stop shop. Other departments are expanding at an enormous rate," said Correa. "We're averaging about 2.2 officers per 1,000 residents. Our goal has always been to have more officers in the city and county."

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.