2024-08-30 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawai'i Police Commission Regular Session Minutes August 30, 2024 Page 4 There were technical issues with the microphones. Recess was called at 9.48 a.m., the meeting reconvened at 9.55 a.m. Chief Moszkowicz reported on Wednesday, July 31St, the Communications Section honored Police Communications Officer II Kainapau Mossman as their Dispatcher of the Second Quarter. On Wednesday, August 7t", Officer Andrew Walters was named the Kona Crime Committee's Officer of the Month. On August 7t", Hilo Patrol District Acting Sergeant Bryson Pilor was honored by the Hawai'i County Council with their Haweo award. Additionally, the Community Policing Team in Kona produces a monthly newsletter that is available online. • Chief Moszkowicz reported on other department activities and updates: Micronesian Cultural Awareness: In early 2024, then-Lieutenant Roy Valera, while serving as Acting Captain in the South Kohala Patrol District, noticed a larger population of Micronesian residents. After researching the culture and immigration history, he reached out to Dr. Lee-Ann Heely, Director of Health Equity at the Hawai'i Island Community Health Center, to develop cultural training for officers. Together, they organized two well-received presentations in East and West Hawai'i. Moving forward, the training will be incorporated into recruit classes, with plans to include it in next year's Annual Recall Training cycle. Fentanyl Stats: HPD has begun sharing monthly fentanyl seizure statistics via press releases and social media. In July, 7.66 grams of fentanyl were recovered. Although this amount might seem small, it represents enough lethal doses to potentially kill over 3,800 residents based on CDC data. HPD remains dedicated to combating drug distribution and apprehending narcotics dealers. The fentanyl crisis has reached epidemic levels on the mainland, contributing to rising overdose deaths, particularly when combined with methamphetamines, with increasing cases in Maui and Oahu. Hawai'i Police Activities League (HI-PAL) Activities: In July and August, HI-PAL hosted two fishing derbies. The first took place on July 20t" at the Pua Ka Ilima O Kawaihae Cultural Surf Park, where over 50 keiki from North and South Kohala enjoyed great fishing conditions. The second event was on August 17t" at Laupahoehoe Point Beach Park in Hamakua, attracting nearly 90 keiki competing to catch the biggest fish. The top three winners in various age groups were recognized at both events, which were supported by donations from businesses and community organizations. They also held the first-ever HI-PAL Fencing Tournament on Saturday, August 3rd at the Waimea District Park. Six kids were paired with adults to exhibit their skills, precision, and finesse in the foil and saber divisions. This event was a collaboration with the Hawai'i Fencing Association and also honored two students who graduated high school this spring and will continue their competitive fencing journeys in college.