2025-07-18 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes July 18, 2025 Page 8 felt it was appropriate for Deputy Chief Mahunato providethe remainder of the report to the commission. Commendations& Awards:Deputy Chief Mahuna reported several recognitions and commendations. Officer Kyle Murray was named Kona Crime Prevention Officer of the Month for April 2025, and Officer Rylen Fujii was recognized for arresting a suspect in a series of financial crimes. Officer “Kaipo” Stender was commended for safely detaining a suspect who attacked a 75-year-old woman, leading to felony charges. Officer Kelena Kealoha was recognized as HISSPA Officerof the Quarter for Q1 2025. Officers Lawrence Kobayashi, Landon Takenishi, and Sergeant Thomas Koyanagi were honored by MADD for efforts to curb impaired driving. Since the last meeting, six commendations involving nine personnel were received for outstanding service. Everbridge System: Effective Tuesday, July 15, 2025, all police emergency notifications County Civil Defense. Existing Nixle subscribers have automatically been transferred and do not need to take action to continue receiving alerts. Residents can create a free Everbridge account to customize which notifications they receive, including police road closures, missing children alerts, and Civil Defense tsunamior hurricane warnings. South Kohala HI-PAL Keiki Fishing Derby:On June 28, 2025, the Hawai‘i Isle Police Activities League (HI-PAL) hosted a fishing derby for 138 youth in South Kohala, supported by Community Police Officers, Conservation Enforcement Officers, and local volunteers. Public Hearings on New Firearms Rules:The Hawai‘i Police Department plans to replace its 1997 rules for carrying concealed and unconcealed weapons with new Rule 1 and Rule 2, updating the permit and licensing process and outlining appeal procedures for denials. The changes align the rules with state law effective January 2024. Public hearings will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center, Council Chambers, and Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale. Other Departmental Activities and Updates: Chair Robinson noted that Chief Moszkowicz will be on vacation from Monday through the end of August. Under General Order 202, which outlines the department’s successionplan, the Deputy Chief will serve as Acting Police Chief. Deputy Chief Mahuna confirmed he is prepared to assume these responsibilities. Commissioner Tavares noted that theirpacket included vicestatsand asked if a presentation on these statistics would be provided. Deputy Chief Mahuna stated it would be beneficial for Captain Buyten to present at the next meeting, providing detailed explanations, context, and answers to questions, including year-over-year