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Regular Session Minutes <br />November 21, 2025 <br />Page 3 <br />Personnel Report (Assistant Chief Bird): As of October 31, 2025: <br />o Sworn:99 field vacancies. Factoring in 4 from the 103rd recruit class, 13 <br />from the 104th, and 12 from the 105th, there are 70 unfilled sworn <br />positions. 423 of 493 positions are filled (86%). <br />o Civilian:118 of 161 positions are filled (73%). <br />o Communications:17 vacancies for PCO I/II (23 filled); 0 vacancies for <br />Supervising PCO (5 filled). <br />o Assistant Chief Bird provided an update on recruitment activities. <br />Finance (Assistant Chief Bird): As of October 31, actual overall expenditures were <br />41.63% (target 36.85%). AC Bird noted that miscellaneous salary expenditures are <br />high (500.91%) due to hazard payouts pending reimbursement from County <br />Finance. <br />Other Activities(Interim Chief Mahuna): The department promoted traffic safety <br />students created a large traffic-safety mural while Ken Nishimura of Keep It Flowing <br />spokeabout the impacts of fatal crashes. Area II TEU officers held a Healing Our <br />Highways vigil on October 30 in Kona and Waikoloa. Traffic Services Manager Torey <br />Keltner appeared on Na Leo TV’s traffic safety campaign, with additional department <br />personnel scheduled for KITV and KHON2 to discuss holiday traffic safety. The <br />department will increase enforcement during the holidays. Officers assisted the Food <br />Bank with distribution and traffic flow, provided candy safety tips during Halloween <br />events, and participated in trunk-or-treat and other outreach activities for keiki and <br />kupuna across the island. Interim Chief Mahuna emphasized that community <br />outreach is essential for long-term impact. <br />Commissioner Yamada asked about addressing reckless driving following recent <br />fatalities. Chief Mahuna discussed the balance between targeted enforcement and <br />community education. Commissioner Urban-Smith suggested incorporating a cyber <br />unit to address online postings of reckless driving, etc. <br />Commendations and Awards: Interim Chief Mahuna reported on several recent <br />awards, including Officer of the Month and Quarter awards, and five commendations <br />involving 15 personnel. <br />UNFINISHED BUSINESS: POLICE CHIEF SELECTION PROCESS <br />Michelle Simmons with the Department of Human Resources(DHR) reported that 65 <br />applications were received. After review, 27 applicants met the minimum qualification <br />requirements. Notices have been sent to the qualified applicants. <br /> <br />