2023-07-21 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes July 21, 2023 Page 4 Chair Robinson sought clarification regarding the nature of the $678,000. It was explained that this sum represents cash in lieu of vacation payouts to employees who leave or retire, reflecting their accrued earned leave. The topic of personnel prompted a discussion concerning the workload of the Police Commission secretary, who serves both the Police Commission and Fire Commission. Chair Robinson conveyed the Police Commission's desire to either relieve her of her responsibilities with the Fire Commission or provide her with an assistant. He noted that during the Police Chief selection process, her workload was substantial. He mentioned that Ms. Correa is a Police Department employee and proposed that the chief initiate a dialogue with County HR to explore options such as assigning her an assistant or establishing a distinct position within the Fire Department. Chief Moszkowicz explained the position description is written to support both departments simultaneously. Therefore, addressing this concern would require involving County HR and their own HR departments. They would assess the workload and determine if it's too extensive for a single individual, potentially leading to the creation of a new position under either the Fire Department's administration or as a separate entity within HPD. He emphasized that the present fiscal year is an opportune time for this discussion, given that the budget for the previous year is already finalized. He mentioned that he is already scheduled to discuss 4-5 positions with council members and would include this matter in those discussions. Commissioner Quartararo and Chief Moszkowicz discussed budgeting for overtime, considering the option of modifying the budget to align with upcoming hiring requirements. • Commendations: Chief Moszkowicz reported receiving nine commendations, involving five personnel since the last Police Commission meeting in recognition of outstanding services. Four from South Hilo and five from Kona. Officer Leonard Warren was named the Kona Crime Prevention Committee's Officer of the Month for July 2023. Additionally, Officer Wyatt Nahale was honored by the Hawaii County Council with the Haweo Award. • Chief Moszkowicz reported on other department activities and updates: ➢ The 97tn recruit class ceremony was held on July 14tn, at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel. ➢ The 98tn recruit class started on July 17tn, they are expected to start field training in January 2024. ➢ The "80 for 80" project by HPD was concluded in June. ➢ They organized an 80th birthday celebration for HPD on June 30tn ➢ As of July 1 st, Animal Control and Protection is now under the supervision of the managing director's office.