2021-01-15 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 15, 2021 Page 2 hanging around businesses. A business owner asked him what the policy was because they hang around his business when he is gone. He has been having a lot of vandalism and break-ins. Patrol goes by, but nothing is being done. AC O'Connor stated that if it's private property, they shouldn't be on there. He should be calling the police non -emergency number at 935-3311, instead of sending an email to the Mayor's office or the Chief's office because that is not addressed until someone comes in and reads the email. If you see something happening right there, it should be addressed right then and not wait. Commissioner Quartararo stated that the Kona old airport area had been cleaned up nicely, and then the homeless moved in real quickly after that. Officers told them to call and let them know of problems, but then they would be calling every day. AC O'Connor stated that people should call the police so they can address it right away. HOAs can do a pretty good job of fining people for violations of their rules. Commissioner Sur asked if any citations were issued for illegal fireworks. AC O'Connor stated that no citations were issued. It's on a low priority scale. They are going to domestics, fights, and other things before the fireworks call. In his personal opinion, from society, he doesn't think people are really bothered to that extent. If the State changes its philosophy of no fireworks at all, that would be easier for them to enforce. They would have to do a better job with catching them before they come in. Commissioner Quartararo stated that his Home Owner's Association created a $500 fine in its bylaws. With the police being called, they were able to levy the fine. Chair Bertsch stated that as commissioners, they are the community representative for their district and the whole island. With regards to reporting incidents, it's important and they encourage people who come to them, knowing they are a police commissioner, to make those phone calls to the police. They look at community crime trends, and if they don't get those phone calls, then there's no trend, and there's no way for them to address it. They could also reach out to their Community Policing Officers to address their specific concerns. Commissioner Sur stated that he heard that they are down to two Community Policing Officers due to retirements and budget cutbacks. AC O'Connor stated that they have 2 CPOs in Puna and 4 in Hilo. When fully staffed, Hilo has 6 and Puna has 4.