2019-12-20 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes December 20, 2019 Page 5 JEURGAN CANDA came before the commission in open session and swore to tell the truth. He submitted another written statement and read it. It is on file. POLICE CHIEF PAUL FERREIRA came before the commission in open session. He stated that it all began on July 15 when they were tasked a joint operation regarding protesters in opposition of TMT. The protestors blocked access to the road. With help from Honolulu and Maui police, about 30 protesters were arrested. There were about 3,000 people there. With the increased volume of traffic and individuals constantly crossing the highway, members of the public requested additional law enforcement, which they did. They did not target anyone. To this day they have not had any complaints from those who had been ticketed. County employees have been ticket, and they have not filed a complaint. They had 22 DUI arrests on DKI highway. These people had been driving across the mountain and the island while DUI. In response to questions, Chief Ferreira stated that they did not tell the officers to target anyone. He asked, "If you look at the diversity of this island, how do you target anyone?" They did not do demographic checks on the citations. Anytime someone is stopped, they do a warrant check. They did not keep statistics on the people who were cited. The only complaint they received regarding law enforcement on DKI Highway was this complaint. EXECUTIVE SESSION (Closed to the public.) Commissioner Schutte move to meet in executive session to consider charges against officers or employees of the Hawaii Police Department where matters affecting privacy will be involved, to consider sensitive matters relating to public safety, to work on the Police Chief's annual evaluation, and may consult with Corporation Counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities pursuant to HRS 92-5 (a) (2) (4) (6) and the Hawaii County Charter Section 13-20 (b). Vice Chair Bertsch seconded, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 11:24 a.m. Regular session reconvened at 11:15 a.m. ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS • Investigation of Complaints ✓ Complaint HPC 19-28: Complainant alleged that during his arrest, his hand was injured when handcuffs were placed on him, and that he was not fully dressed when he was taken to the jail and hospital. Commissioner Schutte motioned to defer the complaint to the next meeting in Hilo at the complainant's request. Commissioner St. Ambrogio seconded, and it carried unanimously. ✓ Complaint HPC 19-29: Complainant alleged that during his arrest, he was put in a state of fear, he was not read his rights, and that his civil rights were