2022-07-22 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes July 22, 2022 Page 5 years and one month of service with the Hawaii Police Department. What's very notable about the captain is that he has not used one hour of sick leave. He has experience in patrol, vice, and investigations, he went back to patrol and has never called in sick. Captain Gilbert Gaspar came before the commission. Chair Bertsch stated that 40 years is a long time and it's even more impressive that he's been able to show up to work on time, every time. He knows law enforcement has been his life and passion, he further stated that there's a tremendous amount of people under him that respect him, learned a lot from him, and enjoyed him being the captain at the Kona Station. He noted that this commission recognizes the work that he has done and his professionalism has extended throughout this county. Captain Gaspar shared that he and Chief Ferreira started in the same recruit class. He reflected upon his 40 years of service and stated that he had a good career. He had his ups and downs, but he never had a down that kept him down. He expressed that the Hawaii Police Department truly is the best police department and he's happy to have been a part of it. The commission thanked Captain Gaspar for his service. Chair Bertsch asked Chief Ferreira about the supreme court overturning the ninth circuit, with regards to conceal and open carry. He's curious as to what's happening at the department level. He asked if HPD is getting inundated with requests and asked what's their stance and position. Chief Ferreira stated that you can no longer require justification for someone to carry a concealed weapon. Hawaii has one of the strictest laws in the nation with regards to conceal and open carry, you have to show an urgent need or significant reason for carrying a concealed or unconcealed weapon. To date, there's been about two or three concealed carry permits or licenses issued throughout the state. There have been numerous unconcealed carry licenses issued, primarily involving armored security, such as Loomis. The Attorney General in Hawaii has opined that Hawaii needs to look at the Supreme Court ruling and change the way they issue and regulate licenses. They can no longer require justification, they simply have to qualify. Currently across the state, they have met with various police chiefs, attorneys have met with regard to corporation Counsel, and the Hawaii State Attorney General. They are all in the process of revising their procedures and applications for concealed and unconcealed carry. The Attorney General has opined that the law regarding the unconcealed license still stands, you still must show an urgent need for carrying an unconcealed weapon. That will not change, unconcealed carry requests will still be regulated. So far, they have received about 14 -16 inquiries, both letters and applications from individuals in the community asking for conceal carry permits and unconcealed carry permits. The department's response letters informed them that they are currently in the process of reviewing applications and procedures and will make those changes within the next 30 days.