2002-05-17 Police Commission Minutes

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Minutes – Regular Session May 17, 2002 Page 4 CHIEF'S REPORT • Crime: Assistant Chief Paiva summarized the report that was distributed. He also reported on Kenneth Kaleikini, aka Hawaiian, who was involved in a kidnapping and escape attempt at an Oahu prison last night. Mr. Kaleikini was arrested last month in a joint raid conducted by Kona Vice Section detectives, Kau officers, and members of the Special Response Team. Mr. Kaleikini had been the subject of an investigation by Kona Vice over a period of time. As a result of a warrant of his residence, they recovered three firearms, drugs, and money. Kona Vice is also working with ATF to seek federal prosecution. Chief Correa reported that earlier this month they met with a steering committee for a meth - amphetamine conference scheduled for August 27 in Hilo. The conference is to put together a strategic plan for Hawaii County to address the meth - amphetamine problem. Among those in attendance were representatives from the offices of the U.S. Attorney, DEA, Public Safety, and Attorney General. Chief Correa reported on the "Safe Neighbor Program," an initiative put together by President Bush and run by the U.S. Attorney's office in conjunction with ATF. This is to address any type of gun violence or anyone who commits a crime of violence using a gun and has a previous history that prevents him from ownership of a firearm — domestic violence, felon, use of a gun in a commission of a drug crime, and stealing guns. If there are cases involving gun violence, and the perpetrator meets a certain criteria, they will take the case to federal court. The thresholds for the feds to take cases have been lowered considerably. The federal system does not allow people to be released on bail before the trial. For the most part, they must serve their entire sentence, and federal prisons have space available. Chief Correa further reported that through the Bureau of Justice Administration, they are applying for a community policing officer school resource program. This would be for a school resource officer in and around the community of a designated school. The grant provides $125,000 for an officer for a three -year period. The county would have to look for 25% matching funds. They have applied for six officers in six location s—Keaa u, Hilo, Waiakea, Honokaa, Kealakehe, and Konawaena. These are newly created positions, like CPOs in the schools. Currently their CPOs do a considerable amount of work in the schools. This would allow the CPOs to work more in the community. The department of education is agreeable to this, and it would be a win -win situation for everyone. Vice Chair Hara inquired into whether they could attend the monthly commanders' meetings. This would enable them to do assessments of the Chief and operations of the police department and help them to do the Chief's yearly evaluation. Chief Correa reported that his staff meetings are operational meeting. He will get back to the commission on this matter. • Traffic: Assistant Chief Hickcox summarized the report that was distributed. He also reported that they have started the statewide "Click It or Ticket" program. Funds were received through grants. They have also applied for two discretionary grants, which would be an additional $50,000 for East and West Hawaii individually for additional seatbelt enforcement. This enhances their ability to insure occupant safety.