08-22-2025 Board Packet for PC Meeting

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Regular Session Minutes June 20,2025 Page 7 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 expectations placed on the position of police chief, she concluded by stating that she is not in a good place with how things have unfolded. Chair Robinson asked for a motion. Commissioner Tavares inquired whether there was any public testimony on the matter, noting it would be beneficial to hear from the public first. No testimony was provided. Commissioner Tavares then moved that the commission reject Chief Moszkowicz’s rescission of his resignation. Chair Robinson asked for clarification, confirming that the motion was to reject without further discussion with the chief. Commissioner Tavares affirmed. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Botelho.Discussion: Vice Chair Bertsch expressed that he believed the chief should be given the opportunity to address the commission before any decision is made. As such, he stated he would be voting no. With no further discussion, Ms. Correa conducted a roll call vote on the motion to reject the rescission: Aye–Commissioners Yamada, Tavares, Enriquez, Botelho Nay –Commissioners Buckman, Bertsch, Robinson Chair Robinson announced that the motion failed. Vice Chair Bertsch clarified that although there were four votes in favor and three opposed, five affirmative votes are required for the motion to pass. Vice Chair Bertsch then moved that the commission hold a special meeting, at a date to be determined based on venue availability, to allow Chief Moszkowicz the opportunity to address the commission in an open session. The purpose of the meeting will be to hear the chief’s response to commission concerns and to consider whether to accept or deny his rescission of resignation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Buckman. There was no further discussion. Ms. Correa conducted a roll call voteto hold a special meeting: Aye–Commissioners Yamada, Tavares, Enriquez, Buckman, Botelho, Bertsch, Robinson Chair Robinson clarified that the special meeting will be held in either East or West be invited to present his reasoning, and the commission will vote on the matter at that meeting. He also noted the intent is to hold the meeting before July 15, the resignation date originally stated by the chief. The motion passed unanimously.