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HAWAII POLICE COMMISSION <br />SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES <br />JULY 10, 2025 <br />25 AUPUNI ST., SUITE 1401, HILO, HI <br />UNAPPROVED MINUTES <br />These minutes are DRAFT minutes. The commission has <br />not voted to accept them. Changes may/may not be made prior to their adoption at the next meeting. <br />CALL TO ORDERAND ROLLCALL <br />Chair Robinsoncalled the meeting to order at 10:01a.m. <br />Present: Rick Robinson, Chair <br />John Bertsch, Vice Chair <br />Wendy Botelho, Commissioner <br />Arthur Buckman, Commissioner <br />Lloyd Enriquez, Commissioner <br />Eileen Lacerte, Commissioner <br />Jacob Tavares, Commissioner <br />Greg Yamada, Commissioner <br />A quorum was present. <br />Also present:Benjamin Moszkowicz, Police Chief <br />Sinclair Salas-Ferguson, Deputy Corporation Counsel <br />Charisse Correa, Secretary <br />CHAIR’S OPENING STATEMENT <br />Chair Robinson noted the receipt of numerous written testimonies, many of which <br />concerned cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and <br />reminded the public that the topic had been addressed at the May 16 meeting. He <br />requested that testimony remain focused on the agenda itemsand be limited to five <br />minutes. <br />STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS <br />CC Melendez with HPD supported retaining Chief Moszkowicz, disagreeing with prior <br />testimonygiven by Detective Leeand a letter from the SHOPO Chairman, which he said <br />did not reflect the views of most officers, and they actedwithout member input. He <br />described the chief as genuine, accountable, and committed. Melendez highlighted <br />improvements under the chief’s leadership, including fairer promotions, better <br />assignments, enhanced operations, stronger public communication, and efforts to <br />modernize the department. <br />Pudding Lassiter, former Police Commissioner,provided testimonyin support of Chief <br />Moszkowicz. She described him as warm, experienced, and committed to both the <br />department and the community. She shared a personal anecdote about inviting him to ride <br />horseback in the Merrie Monarch Parade, noting his willingness to take riding lessons in <br />his free time despite having no prior experience. She praised his humility, dedication, and <br />willingness to step outside his comfort zone, stating that she is proud to know him as both <br />a leader and someone who genuinely cares about thosehe serves <br /> <br />