2024-10-18 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes October 18, 2024 Page 3 • Commendations & Awards: Acting Chief Burian reported receiving four commendations since the last commission meeting in recognition of exceptional service. Additionally, Officer Eli Dominic Cayetano was named Officer of the Month by the Kona Crime Prevention Committee. Kohala Middle School's principal sent a letter expressing appreciation to Capt. Scott Kurashige, North Kohala Patrol district commander, for the officers' responsiveness and support of the school. The Senior Vice President of Corporate Security for American Savings Bank also sent a letter, commending the men and women of HPD for their professionalism, quick response, and thoroughness in apprehending a robbery suspect and fully recovering the stolen money. • Critical Incident: Acting Chief Burian reported that on October 9t", Puna patrol officers responded to a report of an unauthorized male occupying a vacant residence in Volcano. Upon arrival, officers identified the man, wanted in connection with a previous incident involving his dog. During attempts to retrieve the dog and speak with him, the suspect threatened officers, brandished a firearm, and locked himself inside. A perimeter was established, and the Special Response Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, FBI SWAT, and U.S. Marshals responded. Despite efforts to negotiate, the suspect shot at officers multiple times. On Thursday morning, as officers entered the residence, the suspect fired at them and one member of the Special Response Team returned fire. In the process of retreating, one member of the Special Response Team received a large laceration from broken window glass. The suspect fled but was located several hundred yards from the residence hiding in vegetation and was found to be in possession of a loaded pistol. The injured officer was treated and released. The officer who discharged his weapon has been placed on Administrative Leave pending an Administrative Review of this incident, he will be returning to full duty shortly. The Office of Professional Standards has initiated a critical incident review, as is standard following an officer's discharge of their weapon while in the line of duty. The suspect was taken into custody, and detectives later found a potential explosive device at the residence, which was later determined not to be an improvised explosive device. Commissioner Tavares asked if officers are always placed on administrative leave after discharging a weapon. Acting Chief Burian explained that they conduct an administrative review, and psychological evaluation, and a doctor determines fitness for duty. Commissioner Tavares shared an incident where officers hesitated to euthanize an injured cow due to potential administrative repercussions and asked if animal control should handle such cases. Acting Chief Burian noted he prefers the animal's owner to decide. Their firearms may not be sufficient, and officers usually consult with their rank on the best approach for each situation.