2025-12-19 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes December 19, 2025 Page 3 Vice Report:Captain Ed Buytenreported November2025 seizures included 520gof meth, 4,453g of cocaine,42.2gof fentanyl, 55,258gof dried marijuana,5.6 lbs.of marijuana concentrate,404 THC vapes, $7,646 in cash, recovered one firearm, arrested 17 adults with 42 charges, executed over 28 search warrants, and one warrant of arrest. Personnel Report:Assistant Chief Sherry Birdreportedas of November 30, 2025: o Sworn:96field vacancies. Factoring in 4 from the 103rd recruit class, 13 from the 104th, and 12 from the 105th, there are 67unfilled sworn positions. 407of 503 positions are filled (81%). o Civilian:114of 161 positions are filled (71%). o Communications:17 vacancies for PCO I/II (23 filled); 0 vacancies for Supervising PCO (5 filled). o Assistant Chief Bird provided an update on recruitment activities. Finance:ACBirdreported that, as of November 30, 2025, actual overall expenditures were 49.13% (target 43.38%). Salary expenditures were 51.56% (target 45.83%). Regular salaries and wages were 38.84%, overtime salaries and wages were at 177.2%, and miscellaneous salaries and wages were 514.77%. AC Birdnotedthatit’s an excessive amount due to temporary hazard payouts pending reimbursement.She reported that the County has implemented a new payroll system and that current expenditure reports are less detailed than previously. Additional discussion followed regarding temporary hazard pay, which was clarified as a one-time lump sum payment, with the County reimbursing the department’s budget. Other Activities:Interim Chief Mahuna reported on several recent community outreach and departmental activities. On Friday, December 12, the Kona Community Policing Section, in partnership with Kona Costco, Food Basket, and KEPA Radio personality Tommy Ching, hosted a Hanahou Fill a Cruiser food drive at the Kona Costco parking lot. The event collected more than one ton of food and a record- breaking $8,221 in monetary donations for the Food Basket, with all funds remaining Officers and commanders participated in holiday outreach events, including the ninth annual Heroes and Helpers event in Hilo on Saturday, December 6, at Target, and the 30th annual Shop with a Cop event in Kona on Saturday, December 13, at Walmart, with each child receiving a $125 gift card to purchase items of their choice. Interim Chief Mahuna shared that his participation, particularly his experience paired with a teenager, was humbling and rewarding.