2025-06-20 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes June 20,2025 Page 3 Other Department Activities & Updates: AC Bird reported a fugitive arrest in an officer- involved shooting.On June 4, Kona officers responded to multiple incidents in the Captain Cook area involving a suspect later identified as Junson Heckerz. The series of events included vehicle theft, attempted vehicle theft, trespassing, and burglary. During the encounter, Heckerz attempted to flee in a stolen vehicle, nearly striking an officer, which led to an officer-involved firearm discharge. The suspect was not injured, was taken into custody, and charged with multiple felonies. His initial bail of $293,000 was later reduced to $5,000 by the court. No injuries were reported, and the involved officer is on administrative leave until he is mentally, physically, and emotionally ready to return to work. An investigationwas initiated after reports of unauthorized parking enforcement devices (“barnacles”) placed on vehicles at the top of Naponear the Ka‘awaloa Trailhead. The devices were used on public property where no parking restrictions were posted. Cedeno Perez was identified as the individual responsible and was arrested on May 27. He was charged with fraud, theft, and criminal tampering. and elementary school graduates of the DARE program. Events included opening remarks by Captain Roy Valera, educational demonstrations involving HPD, HFD, and the Special Response Team, and concluded with fun activities such as waterslides, games, and swimming. The annual Trek the Trail event was held on May 10, 2025, at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, promoting health, fitness, and bicycle safety. Participants followed a course through Wailoa State Park, with HPD Bike Patrol Officers ensuring safety. The event featured live music, vendors, food trucks, a bike safety course for kids, and Keiki ID cards provided by HPD. HPD commemorated National Police Week from May 11–17 with ceremonies held in families. Appreciation was expressed to the commissioners who attended. Eleven recruits from the 101st Police Recruit Class graduated on May 15, 2025, and are now serving as solo officers in various districts. The ceremonyin Hiloincluded badge pinning by loved ones. HPD held a promotion ceremony on May 8, 2025, in Kona Council Chambers, recognizing 22 personnel promoted to lieutenant, sergeant, detective, and POIII. Promotions took effect May 16. This was the department’s fourth promotion ceremony, with locations alternating between East and West