2023-04-21 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes April 21, 2023 Page 8 • Discussion and recommendation for the Police Commission to draft and submit a letter to the Salary Commission encouraging a salary increase for the Police Chief and Deputy Police Chief. Chair Robinson stated in Hawaii County, the salaries are set by the Salary Commission, unlike in Honolulu where it needs to be reviewed and approved by County Council. It's been five years since the last salary increase. He feels it should be increased by the amount of the CPI index and ask for two 5% increases in the following two years, that way they're not locked into having one salary that wouldn't be amended for another five years. Commissioner Lassiter wanted to know how many vacancies there were for the Salary Commission. DCC Frenz explained its district -specific, with a total of nine members. On Tuesday two nominees went before the committee with no issues and in two weeks, they'll go before County Council. On May 2nd one more nominee will go before the committee, but she has county code of ethics and conflict of interest concerns. She is unsure if this one will pass and if it doesn't, she is not comfortable holding meetings when she doesn't have whole district representation. Commissioner Lassiter asked what district is vacant. DCC Frenz stated districts 3, 6, and 7 were vacant, but can't recall which district is causing her concerns. Vice Chair Toci asked what the conflict was. DCC Frenz explained that the business this person works for has contracts with the County of Hawaii and she personally sees a conflict of interest which causes her concern. Commissioner Quartararo asked if they will write the letter and wait for the next meeting to approve the letter with recommendations to the Salary Commission. Chair Robinson stated they have several drafts prepared for them today. Today, they will discuss and approve a recommendation then they will send the letter to the Salary Commission. The commission reviewed and discussed different percentage increases to the police chief and deputy chief's salaries. Chair Robinson stated his recommendation is $191,413 for the chief and $182,712 for the deputy chief. Commissioners Lassiter and Sur disagreed, stating that was too high. DCC Frenz explained the Police Commission can make a recommendation and the Salary Commission is free to disregard it, modify, or adjust it. Ultimately the Salary Commission has 100% control and jurisdiction over that decision, this is just a recommendation. Commissioner Lassiter stated she feels $176,000 for the chief would be good, and Commissioner Sur agreed. He had to leave for work but stated they could recommend $191,000, but he's more comfortable with $176,000.