2021-06-18 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes June 18, 2021 Page 3 more media releases. Chief Ferreira stated they send the same information to both newspapers, but it is the publisher who decides what to publish. Denise Laitinen is their public information officer. They have used the Mayor's PIO for some news releases. Commissioner Sur stated that at the last meeting, they were told that police do not issue citations for traffic accidents they have not witnessed. Chief Ferreira stated that they will issue citations for regulatory violations. The officer will not issue a citation of failure to yield if they didn't see it. Hawaii is a no -fold state, it is handled by insurance companies. They don't cite on private property except for handicap parking. Commissioner Sur stated that that is not true for different jurisdictions on the mainland. Recess was called at 9:41. The meeting reconvened at 10:08 a.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION Commissioner Lassiter motioned to meet in executive session to consider charges against officers or employees of the police department where matters affecting privacy will be involved, to consider sensitive matters relating to public safety, 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). Commissioner Toci seconded, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10:19 a.m. Commissioner Lassiter left the meeting at 12:35 p.m. Open session reconvened at 12:45 p.m. CONSIDERATION AND INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS Complainants requested open session: Complaint HPC 21-25/26: Complainant Hope Johnson refused to wear a mask in a grocery store, and the police were called. She complained about the process and her constitutional rights. Anthony Johnson was not present during the incident but also filed a complaint. HOPE AND ANTHONY JOHNSON came before the commission. Mrs. Johnson stated that she has a video of the incident. She went shopping and was immediately accosted by staff telling her that she had to put on a mask. They followed her around the store. She kept on shopping. They said they would call the police. She had all her stuff on the conveyor belt when the police came. Officer #1 asked her what was going on. She said she was shopping and just wanted to check out. She asked the officer if they took an oath to take uphold the constitution. She explained that this was a public accommodation. She is now considered disabled because she cannot wear a mask. She was amazed that the police would get in the middle of this. This is a constitutional issue. She is being denied her right to public accommodation in a public place. The