2024-03-08 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes March 8, 2024 Page 6 Officer Levi Comilla from South Hilo was commended for his calm, professional demeanor when he responded to a call of sheep killed on a farm by a pack of dogs. Community Policing Officer Aaron Tanaka from Kona Patrol was commended for always being responsive and clear on how to address homeless and vagrancy issues. Chief Moszkowicz related that beginning in October 2023, he started filming a monthly video to communicate directly to department members. This is a no cost production as it is filmed with Deputy Chief Mahuna's iPhone, edited on the laptop, and posted to an unlisted YouTube channel. Chief writes a letter which highlights 2-3 things going on in the department and the link is embedded in the letter (this does not replace the chain of command). The videos are shot at different locations on the island each month. Some videos are intentionally vague as a contest, "Where is Chief Ben?" was created. If employees think they know where Chief is, the employee will complete a survey and Chief will randomly select a winner who will get a gift card. It's an opportunity to visit the different stations and take a picture with the winner who will be announced in the next video. There are clues in the video and it has received positive feedback. Chief Moszkowicz reported that there were lots going on in five months since the last meeting and focused on the following events: On November 2, 2023, the second recognition ceremony at the West Hawaii Civic Center was held. Two Certificates of Merit were given; a reserve officer was honored for serving two decades; and promoted were one Captain, one Lieutenant, four civilians, and eight to Police Officer III. On November 11, 2023, in Bellevue, Washington, after the culmination of four years of hard work and dedication, their department was reaccredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Chief Moszkowicz, then Acting Deputy Chief Mahuna, and the CALEA accreditation team consisting of Lieutenant Levon Stevens, Sergeant Matthew Bartz, Sergeant Brian Souki, and Clerk Keahi Armitage attended. They have already started working on the next reaccreditation phase. On January 11, 2024, Deputy Chief Reed Mahuna was sworn in at a ceremony at the Hilo Public Safety Building. He brings decades of experience, sound judgement, and decision making. Chief trust his advice and he has been an amazing partner since his selection as Acting Deputy Chief on July 1, 2023. Deputy Chief Mahuna cannot be confirmed because we don't have a quorum to change the agenda so Chief would like to confirm him officially per the County Charter at the next meeting. January 16, 2024, was the 98t" Recruit Class Graduation. The class consisted of one woman and six men who entered the ranks and began their field training on May 16.