REP FC 120 2018/05/21 (2016-2018)

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: May 21, 2018 Re: Comm. No. 931/Res. No. 611-18 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawai`i TIME: 10:35 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 611-18, reports as follows: Resolution 611-18, transmitted by Finance Director Deanna S. Sako, via Communication No. 931 dated May 3, 2018, authorizes the payment of funds of a later fiscal year and of more than one fiscal year for a multi-year lease of real property for the County of Hawai`i Police Department. This resolution authorizes the Mayor to enter into a new five-year agreement with an option for an additional five years with Ocean View Partners, LLC, to allow for the continued occupancy of office space located at 92-1329 Prince Kuhio Boulevard, Ocean View. Police Commander Kenneth Quiocho explained the importance of the multi-year lease for the Ocean View community. He stated there are quite a few calls from the Ocean View area, and mentioned that having police officers available at what they refer to as the "substation"makes for a faster response time. Commander Quiocho said he understands there is not enough funding to actually build a substation, and also said this facility is vital to be able to service the area and respond quickly to calls. Working out of the infrastructure in Ocean View will allow officers to actually stay there as opposed to having to travel back to the NWalehu station every time they need to work on a case, respond to a complaint, or process an arrest. Council Member Herbert M. "Tim" Richards, III, asked whether someone was present at the location all of the time or if the police are in and out of the station, to which Commander Quiocho replied officers are there all of the time, not necessarily at the station but on the road, in that area to respond to calls. He also said if the station had a mobile terminal, such as a computer laptop with connection capability, they could do their work from that location. Commander Quiocho also commented he has increased the manpower on each watch to be able to respond to calls quickly. Council Member Dru Mamo Kanuha expressed his support and agreed that it is important that the community knows officers are present, to deal with their needs and be able to respond as quickly as possible. Commander Quiocho acknowledged it is important for the people and it lessens the time it takes for an officer to respond to a call. Council Member Eileen O'Hara questioned whether the infrastructure's internet connection is included, and Commander Quiocho answered that the network is being worked on. Ms. O'Hara also asked to clarify her understanding that a substation is an unmanned facility and a mini station has t least one officer assigned. Commander Quiocho confirmed that a mini station to be one that allows an officer to FC Report No. 120