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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br />GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />DATE: August 5, 2025 Re: Comm. No. 408/Res. No. 250-25 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 2:31 p.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred <br />Resolution No. 250-25, reports as follows: <br />Resolution No. 250-25, transmitted by Acting Assistant Chief of Police Jeremie Evangelista <br />via Communication No. 408, dated July 17, 2025, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an <br />intergovernmental agreement with the United States of America, Federal Bureau of Investigation <br />(FBI), Honolulu Division, for the Hawaii Financial Crimes Task Force. <br />Resolution No. 250-25 allows the Hawaii Police Department to assist with identifying and <br />targeting for prosecution individuals and groups responsible for financial crimes where there is <br />or may be a federal investigative interest. <br />Captain Rio Amon -Wilkins was present in the Hilo Chambers to explain that the Hawaii Police <br />Department has been involved with this task force established a year ago but currently both <br />officers originally identified to serve on the task force have transferred to do other work. Captain <br />Amon -Wilkins said that there has been a huge increase in financial crimes, many online or <br />electronic financial crimes. International money scams are now happening more and more <br />frequently. He added that once money is transferred overseas there is a very small window of <br />time to attempt to recoup stolen funds. With this resolution their department will be able to have <br />a partnership with the FBI which provides them with more resources to stop some of these <br />crimes before they occur and/or potentially prosecute those who commit these crimes. <br />Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz asked what defines when there may be investigative <br />interest as referenced in the resolution. Captain Amon -Wilkins said that examples could include <br />a bank robbery, since they are federally backed, or interstate commerce. Member Kierkiewicz <br />asked if there was a dollar amount that triggered the partnership with the task force. Captain <br />Amon -Wilkins said that it is mostly based on the complexity of the situation. He added that if the <br />crime occurs with perpetrators on our island, then it is handled within the Hawaii Police <br />Department, but if it has any connection with individuals elsewhere then that is when they want <br />to work with the FBI. Captain Amon -Wilkins said if they determine early in the case that the <br />perpetrator is overseas that is when they would contact the FBI right away. Member Kierkiewicz <br />asked if this agreement was already in effect. Captain Amon -Wilkins said that while the <br />agreement is currently in effect, they still need to identify two detectives that will fill the <br />positions recently left vacant. <br />GOEAC Report No. 59 <br />