2023-10-20 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes October 20, 2023 Page 2 that the County of Hawaii can enforce the laws. Out of the four counties, Hawaii County has the only MOU. He hopes to obtain some clarity on the powers and scopes of the responsibility of the Hawaii Police Department on these lands. Commissioner Quartararo inquired about the squatter situation and the makeshift tents visible along the road. Mr. Kahawaiolaa explained there's an area that's fenced off Mauna Kea Access Road, it's an old sheep station taken over by individuals apart from the peaceful protesters. He mentioned the department's struggle to remove people from those properties. The County of Hawaii maintains Mana Road, a gate was put across it, with no ramifications to the people that trespass. He understands the department is short-staffed and the distance they need to go, but this isn't the only place this is happening. He highlighted concerns about police response delays in his Hawaiian Homes community in Puna regarding drug issues. Despite providing necessary information, officers are unsure about enforcing laws on the Homestead, despite a MOU. Commissioner Quartararo mentioned reading about the police department's assertive approach in clearing vendors along the highway and inquired if the same principle applies under the MOU. Mr. Kahawaiolaa responded, highlighting instances such as domestic violence and the removal of individuals loitering at park dugouts. He mentioned the complexity due to a neighborhood watch being told it's sensitive as it involves Hawaiian Homes. He emphasized the charter's police enforcement role and the longstanding 23- year-old MOU, raising the ongoing issue for clarification purposes. Commissioner Quartararo, residing in Kona, observed the clearance of the Queen Kaahumanu area, assuming it was for Ironman. He inquired whether the same level of enforcement and attentiveness would persist beyond this period. Chair Robinson deferred the question to Chief Moszkowicz to address during his presentation. Chair Robinson mentioned his previous service on the Ethics Board before joining the Police Commission. He recalled an issue presented to the Ethics Board involving the former Mayor's failure to enforce the rule of law concerning protestors on Saddle Road, Humu'ula, and surrounding areas. This matter was extensively discussed over three meetings with a packed room. The protestors often referred to the MOU while questioning the lack of enforcement. Ultimately, despite the Mayor attempting to blame the Police Department, it was determined that the Mayor violated ethical standards by not removing the protestors squatting in those areas. Mr. Kahawaiolaa said that's the burning question. He noted the global significance of those protecting the mountain and shared his personal history of being arrested multiple times in protests related to Hawaiian Homes policies, emphasizing that he isn't criticizing the police department but acknowledges the necessity of due process. APPROVAL OF MINUTES