2021-07-16 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes July 16, 2021 Page 2 June, 5,253 citations were issued: 3,966 moving/regulatory, 313 seatbelt, 8 child restraint, and 966 for speeding. Vice Chair Guy stated that in Waimea, they have been doing a good job with traffic enforcement, especially past Waimea School. Personnel Report: AC Jelsma reported that they have 41 actual sworn vacancies. They have 10 unfilled radio dispatch positions. As of July 15, they had 91.5% sworn positions filled and 83.9% civilian positions filled. The 94t" recruit class started on June 1, 2021, with 32; they now have 28. The 95t" recruit class had 465 applications. 287 took the written test; 146 passed. 146 were summoned for the agility test; 85 passed, 30 failed, 31 did not show. After the Personal History Questionnaire, 69 remain. Finance: Fiscal year expenditures as of 6/30/21: Target 100%; actual 89.41 %. S & W target 100%; actual 97.09%. The FY 21-22 budget is $73,018,183 which includes a 5% overall budget reduction. Commendations: Deputy Chief Bugado reported that since the last commission meeting, they received 9 commendations involving 33 personnel. The Kona Crime Prevention Committee honored Officer Michael Guzman as officer of the month for his work that resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of methamphetamines. Additionally, Officer Ben Nishimoto was recognized by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii Hilo for saving the lives of officers and others when he and other officers responded to family dispute. The suspect opened fire on the officers and Officer Nishimoto was able to bring the incident to an end. They also received commendation from Fire Chief Todd for their performance in this incident. Other Department Activities: Chief Ferreira reported that the County terminated its contract with Rainbow Rangers. It was his call not to extend the one-year contract. It has been a huge burden on staff. They respond to calls for vicious dogs, dogs needing medical attention, and dogs passing. Finding locations in East Hawaii and Waimea has been a challenge. They are looking at a facility in Volcano and looking for another location. Police is hiring personnel under the 89-day contract. Commissioner Robinson told Chief that he did a good presentation to the County Council on this matter. Chief Ferreira stated that he did a good presentation because he has people to back him up and give him good information. The Council and Administration agrees that the contract for animal control does not belong with the Police Department. The day-to-day of picking up live and dead animals should not be with the police. Historically and in the rest of the state, this has been under the Finance Department. The only portion that falls under police is the enforcement part. Seven new lieutenants were promoted, which opens up 7 sergeant positions.