10-24-2025 Board Packet for PC Meeting

Home

Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes September 19, 2025 Page 5 underway. He confirmed the handler has been reassigned and that services for the canine will be held. Chair Robinson inquired about Governor Green's recent initiative on traffic safety, asking whether it would be directed to county police departments or the state. Chief Mahuna responded that he does not yet have details on the governor's specific plans but anticipates it may involve a combination of both. He noted there is a push for the Department of Law Enforcement to take a greater role in highway traffic enforcement, but it's uncertain whether the necessary infrastructure is currently in place. Recess was called at 10.26 a.m., and the meeting reconvened at 10.38 a.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Discussion and action regarding the posting and publishing of the notice of vacancy in the office of the chief of police, pursuant to Police Commission Rule 9(a). DCC Salas-Ferguson advised that the commission could use the previous recruitment notice as a template and decide on posting dates, whether the process should be internal or open, and if they want to adjust desired leadership qualities and minimum requirements. Commissioner Botelho stated that she believes residency within the State of Hawaii should be listed as a minimum requirement, noting that it was not included in the current notice. Chair Robinson clarified that the notice being reviewed was from the previous recruitment, during which the residency requirement had been waived. Vice Chair Bertsch emphasized the importance of having a duly selected chief in place as soon as possible. He stated that while the commission has clear guidelines and experience from the recent recruitment, there are procedural matters that must be addressed, one being whether to waive the Hawaii Revised Statutes requirement of one year of residency. Based on public testimony received, he noted that there appears to be support for limiting the recruitment to candidates residing within the State of Hawaii. He recommended that the commission take a formal vote on the matter, which would then guide how to proceed with amending or finalizing the job posting. DCC Salas-Ferguson referenced a confidential legal memo on the matter and recommended that further discussion occur in executive session. Chair Robinson noted other counties' processes and stressed the importance of moving expeditiously. Vice Chair Bertsch requested a brief executive session for legal guidance. EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC) Vice Chair Bertsch motioned to meet in executive session to consult with the board's attorney regarding HRS § 78-1, pursuant to HRS § 92-5 (4) and the Hawaii County Charter Section 13-20 (b). Seconded by Commissioner Lacerte, with no discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Executive session convened at 10.48 a.m.