2025-07-18 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes July 18, 2025 Page 9 trends and per capita comparisons to statewide averages. The commission agreed to include this presentation. Vice Chair Bertsch added that while monthly reports include crime, traffic, and sometimes narcotics data, narcotics activity is not specifically identified. He suggested incorporating more detailed information on narcotics enforcement and the new program implemented by Chief Moszkowicz, including ongoing operations and enforcement efforts, into future reports for greater clarity and insight. NEW BUSINESS Correspondence No. 25-14:Concern regarding oversized truck tires and enforcement. Major Shopay reported there were263 citationsissuedin 2024 and 356 year-to-date in 2025 for violations of County Code 24-105, requiring mud flaps or fender protection. He noted challenges in enforcement, including vehicles being quickly modified to pass safety checks and the relatively low $72 fine, but emphasized that officers continue to actively monitor and address these violations. There was further discussion regarding enforcement, vehicle modifications, varying county codes in Hawai‘i, and related safety concerns. NEW BUSINESS Police Department Policies Regarding Conflicts: Deputy Chief Mahuna reported that the department currently does not have a standalone conflict of interest policy, though existing standards of conduct address related behavior. He is exploring drafting a standalone policy, using the Honolulu Police Department’s policy as a reference. Commissioners discussed considerations regarding family members working together, and Deputy Chief Mahuna confirmed that direct reporting between immediate family members is generally prohibited. DCC Salas-Ferguson noted that a new nepotism provision in the Hawai‘i County Code of Ethics now prohibits hiring or supervising immediate family members, and Deputy Mahuna reported that department members recently completed a survey to ensure compliance. NEW BUSINESS Appointment of Temporary Chief of Police: Chair Robinson opened the discussion regarding the appointment of a temporary Chief of Police following Chief Moskowitz's retirement at the end of August. He explained options andproposed appointing Deputy Chief Mahuna as the temporary chief to streamline the process and focus the commission's energy on the extensive search for a permanent chief. Commissioner Tavares voiced a preference for a more transparent process that would solicit applications for the temporary position to ensure openness. Commissioner Botelho agreed, stating a desire to find the most passionate person for the job, even in a temporary capacity, and suggested asking for letters of interest.