2024-08-30 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawai'i Police Commission Regular Session Minutes August 30, 2024 Page 6 Chair Robinson asked if anyone wished to propose a motion regarding the PIG's scope. Vice Chair Bertsch moved to define the scope as proposing amendments to the commission's rules. Commissioner Lacerte seconded the motion. With no discussion, the motion carried unanimously. Chair Robinson asked for volunteers to join the PIG, and Commissioners Bertsch, Buckman, Quartararo, and Robinson expressed their interest. DCC Salas-Ferguson noted that the authority of each member would need to be defined. A motion could be made to designate these four members as the PIG, with each member having the authority to research and investigate proposed rule amendments. Commissioner Buckman noted that he may have problems if they hold meetings via Zoom. There was further discussion on how they could remedy this potential issue. Chair Robinson asked for a motion to accept all of that as a component of the PIG. Commissioner Bertsch motioned, seconded by Commissioner Buckman, with no further discussion, motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS Discussion on Commission Secretary Position: Discussion on the Commission Secretary position highlighted issues with classification. Chair Robinson noted that the secretary, who supports both the Fire and Police Commissions, is currently classified as a "secretary" rather than a "secretary to boards/commissions." Ms. Correa explained that past attempts to reclassify the position were denied by the Department of Human Resources (DHR) because they did not consider the commissions as quasi-judicial boards. Vice Chair Bertsch shared that despite past efforts to address this, DHR resisted reclassification, arguing the position did not meet quasi-judicial criteria. He emphasized the sensitive nature of the role and the increased workload following the merger of the Fire and Police Commissions. He supported reclassification and questioned if a motion might be needed to compel HR. Chair Robinson inquired with Chief Moszkowicz if he could work with DHR. Chief Moszkowicz supported the reclassification, noting that he agrees the secretary position should be reallocated, it has certain job duties and requirements that are outside of its position description, classification, and job specs. He recommended preparing a justification for the reclassification and sending it to the DHR director, with a copy to him. If the request is denied, they could then escalate it to the Merit Appeals Board. Chair Robinson stated he would draft a letter to DHR, with a copy to Chief Moszkowicz. He will also call the Mayor to request his support. If the request is not successful with the HR director, he will escalate the matter to the Merit Appeals Board. Regarding transcription software, Ms. Correa reported that HFD recently received approval to provide the software, which has been purchased. Chair Robinson asked if it could be used for both commissions, and Ms. Correa confirmed that it could.