2025-06-20 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes June 20,2025 Page 6 Commissioner Tavares acknowledged that the commission faces an important decision, one that involves both procedural considerations and broader concerns about leadership and commitment. He expressed appreciation for Chief Moszkowicz’s performance but noted that the chief submitted his resignation to pursue the interim chief position with the Honolulu Police Department. After rescinding his resignation and not being selected for that position, the chief has since indicated his intention to apply for the permanent chief position.While Tavares stated he respects anyone’s right to pursue career opportunities, he emphasized the commission’s duty to ensure stability, continuity, and commitment to ,not Honolulu. He expressed concern that the chief’s recent actions may have caused disruption within the department and raised valid questions about his long- term intentions. Tavares stressed that the community deservesclarity and strong, focused police chief is not a stepping stone and that his remarks are not a critique of ambition, but a reaffirmation of the commission’s obligation to uphold public trust and support the department’s future. Commissioner Yamada voiced agreement. Commissioner Bertsch shared that his main uncertainty stems from having watched the Honolulu Police Commission’s public interview process, during which Chief Moszkowicz stated that if selected as interim chief, he would apply for the permanent position. Given that he was not selected, Bertsch emphasized the need for this commission to understand the chief’s current intentions.He expressed disappointment that Chief Moszkowicz was not present at the meeting but clarified that the chief had informed the commission in advance, beforeany of these developments,that he would be unable to attend and had even requested the meeting be rescheduled. Due to the public interest surrounding the situation, the commission felt it was necessary to proceed as scheduled.Bertsch stressed that out of respect for the role of chief and Moszkowicz’s service, the commission should allow himto speak directly to the matter. He believes the commission should question the chief about his attempted rescission of resignation and do so in open session, not executive session, unless legal guidance suggests otherwise. Chair Robinson agreed. Commissioner Botelho emphasized the importance ofcharacter and ethics in decision- making, noting that who we are, shaped by our life experiences,directly influences how we lead and serve, whether in a professional role or as a volunteer. She shared that herown background and experiences inform the perspective she brings to the commission, just as they do for herfellow commissioners.Shestressed that ethics, particularly what one does when no one is watching, are critical. She expressed concern that discussions had taken place with another county,referring to the chief’s interest in the Honolulu position,without the knowledge of the full commission. This lack of transparency, she suggested, was significant and troubling. Botelho also emphasizedthe importance of public safety, especially protecting kupuna, citing a recent report about a 72-year-old individual injured in Kona. She questioned what kind of message the current situation sends to department employees and the broader community, especially those who look to the chief for leadership. Acknowledging the high