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Regular Session Minutes <br />August 22,2025 <br />Page 3 <br />the department's 32nd year participating in Relay for Life, raising over $4,200. An MOU <br />was signed with UH Hilo to establish a new cohort program that helps officers across <br />the state earn a four-year degree in a supportive group environment. The program is <br />designed to ease concerns about returning toschool after time away. Currently, 10-11 <br />Department sponsored the Second Annual NALEO Youth Media Challenge, where <br />students created videos on public safety. A short film about child abusewon Best in <br />Show in the Trailblazer Division. Kona’s Mikey Evans won Best Short Film in the <br />Emerging Creators Division for a piece on pulling over for first responders; he also <br />earned recognition in 2024 for his Text to 911 PSA. The department looks forward to <br />participating again next year. <br />Commendations and Awards:Acting Chief Mahuna reported that numerous officers <br />received Officer of the Month and other awards, including nominations, for exceptional <br />work. This work involved solving complexfinancial crimes, de-escalating a crisis with a <br />suicidal individual, saving the life of a three-month-old baby through CPR, recovering <br />stolen property, and locating suspects. <br />STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS <br />Roger Christie emphasizedunity, love for the island, and respect for the Constitution. He <br />shared hopes for the next chief, including greater transparency, posting the oath of office <br />online, and addressing public concerns such as global influences, 5Gdangers, digital <br />currencyslavery, andpotential dangers of REAL ID. He called for acknowledgmentand an <br />apologyforpast marijuana enforcement. Hehighlighted issues of homelessness and <br />healthcare shortages, and urged the commission to select a chief who can help heal and <br />strengthen the island. <br />SamGuckenheimer, on behalf of Kona Indivisible,requested that the commission ask <br />specific questions of police chief candidates regarding agreements with DHS and ICE, <br />including whether candidates would rescind existing MOUs,avoid new agreements,and <br />ensure compliance with state and county laws. He also asked that candidates state their <br />policies on officer training and cooperation with ICE, and that their responses be made <br />public as part of the selection process. <br />Tina Marie Even provided oral testimony urging the commission to select a police chief <br />who prioritizes community trust and protection. She raised concerns about ICE agents, <br />describing fear, rights violations, and harm caused to families. She emphasized the need <br />for a chief who ensures ICE officers are properly identified, upholds due process for all <br />residents, prevents unlawful ICE activity, and safeguards the community from state- <br />sanctioned violence. She stressedthat protecting civil liberties is essential and urged the <br />commission to choose aleader committed to justice and accountability. <br />Patty Cook supportedconcerns raised about immigration enforcement and stressedthe <br /> <br />