2026-01-29 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes January 29, 2026 Page 12 John Matagi emphasized accountability, transparency, and collaborative leadership with county officials, the Police Commission, and employee associations. He discussed the importance of measurable performance metrics for the Chief of Police, including reporting on officer retention, response times, and case clearances. In addressing critical incidents, Matagi stated that protecting due process while communicating compassionately with families and the public is essential. He emphasized personal accountability when leadership decisions are incorrect and highlighted the importance of departmental practices. Matagi also discussed prioritizing officer wellness and staffing stabilization to address recruitment and retention, and described his commitment to his law enforcement experience to serve the island community. Anthony Kumamaru Commissioner Lacerte asked the 10 prepared interview questions, allowing three minutes per response. Anthony Kumamaru emphasized collaborative leadership, strong communication, and maintaining a balance between independence and responsiveness to community expectations and government leadership. He discussed the importance of careful decision-making during critical incidents, including gathering all facts before releasing information to avoid misinterpretation. Kumamaru highlighted accountability as a key leadership value, noting that leaders must take responsibility for mistakes and use them importance of maintaining firm, fair, and consistentpolicing while preserving the aloha spirit. Kumamaru also stressed that officer retention and wellness are essential to recruitment success, noting that satisfied employees become the department’s strongest recruiters. Jennifer Krauss Chair Yamada asked the 10 prepared interview questions, allowing three minutes per response. Jennifer Krauss emphasized communication, transparency, and clear leadership expectations when working with the Police Commission, Mayor, and County Council. She discussed the importance of maintaining the integrity of investigations during critical incidents while communicating openly with the public about the investigative process. Krauss stated that leaders must take responsibility for mistakes and correct them promptly. She highlighted the need for policies that reflect community values while remaining lawful and transparent, noting that departmental policies should be publicly accessible. Krauss emphasized that maintaining community trust is essential and stated she would not authorize local participation in federal immigration enforcement activities.