2025-07-10 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Special Meeting Minutes July 10, 2025 Page 4 Michelle Chavez-Pardiniprovided testimony in full support of Ms. Cook’s comments and urged the commission to deny the chief’s request to rescind his resignation. She emphasized the importance of maintaining community trust and ensuring all residents, regardless of immigration status,feel safe. She expressed concern over the department’s cooperation with federal immigration agencies, stating it promotes fear and negative outcomes. Chavez-Pardini also voiced support for rescinding the county’s MOUs with these agencies and called on public officials to uphold human dignity, safety, and the rule of law. Janet Teare provided testimony urging the commission to deny Chief Moszkowicz’s request to rescind his resignation. Representing Ind Action Committee, she expressed concern over the chief’s interest in establishing MOUs with federal agencies. While she believed his intentions may have been good, she warned that ties to Homeland Security could lead to overreach and harm the community. Teare emphasized the need to sever connections with such agencies to prevent federal intrusion. Retired Judge David Wiseman provided testimony urging the commission to consider the broader implications of the chief’s request to rescind his resignation. He highlighted national concerns over expanding federal detention centers and their potential impact on local communities. He emphasized that a resignation can affect staff morale, create uncertainty, and open the door tonew, qualified applicants. He also questioned whether the chief’s action constitutes a withdrawal or a rescission and whether the commission has the authority to approve it. Wiseman referenced Rule 2(e) of the commission’s duties regarding police-community relations and raised concerns about the department’s involvement with ICE, noting it represents the first federal police force in the country. Antu Harvey, a resident of Holualoa and executive director of a local historical society, provided testimony urging the commission to consider the broader historical and cultural context when evaluating the chief’s request to rescind his resignation. She emphasized the importance of understanding intergenerational trauma and the need to build and maintain trust with the community. Harvey expressed concern that the chief’s policies and public statements have eroded that trust, impacting both community relationships and local businesses. Shequestioned the chief’s judgment in resigning without a firm offer and then seeking to return, stating the community deserves better. Barbara Dalton, Chief Moszkowicz to rescind his resignation, emphasizing accountability, maintaining public trust, and preserving the integrity of the police chief selection process. She acknowledged the chief’s potential for future success despite the current situation. Recess was called at 11:22 a.m., and the meeting reconvened at 11:35 a.m.