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Regular Session Minutes <br />January 29, 2026 <br />Page 3 <br />attended where Mahuna and command staff were present, which he rarely saw with <br />prior chiefs, concluding it showed Mahuna cares for both active and retired personnel. <br />He stated theCommission already has the chief on the job,and all they have to do is <br />make it permanent. <br />Davide Deluz Jr.has been associated with Crime Stoppersfor the last 20-plusyears <br />and has interactions with the department at various levels. Knew Mahuna’s father when <br />he was chief and praised his service.Emphasized internal and external understanding <br />of the department and local culture. <br />Warned of past problems with external leaders lacking cultural understanding.Strongly <br />supported Interim Chief Mahuna as the new chief. <br />Art Taniguchi, Involved with Crime Stoppers Hilo since 1993; past president and current <br />director,former honorary Consul General of Japan; former bank regional manager. <br />Co-organized a sign-waving event in support of HPD during anti-policesentiment. <br />Stressed the unique nature of the island and the importance of local knowledge. <br />Emphasized the importance of grooming and mentoring from within so officers can <br />aspire to be chief.He strongly recommended InterimChief Mahuna for the permanent <br />position. <br />Earl Regidorspoke about working with Mahuna in various contexts.Distinguished <br />Mahuna as someonewho truly listens, not just hears.Emphasized he has aheart for <br />Praised HPD officers and argued that <br />leaders like Mahuna are needed to keep things orderly and safe. <br />Warren Chong, a longtime resident (over72 years) with amulti-generational family <br />presence on Chong Street in Hilo. <br />Island.Stated the island’s culture is unique and requires a Chief who is courteous, <br />timely, knowledgeable, professional, and decisive.Believes culture must be nurtured <br />with the spirit of aloha. Mahuna has proven himself to both the community and <br />rank-and-file, is visible, supportive, and has his full endorsement. <br />Noel Lindermann, a Kailua-Kona resident, urged the Commission toask tough, detailed <br />questions of candidates about how they will interact with federal law enforcement. <br />Clarify their stance on immigration enforcement, NSPM-7, 287(g) agreements, etc. <br />Determine how candidates would respond if asked to provide support for <br />immigration-related federal operations.Stated the community deserves to know whether <br />a chief will protect residents or federal forces when there is federal overreach. <br />Retired Judge David Wisemanfirstobjected to housekeeping rules limiting testimony to <br />two minutes, noting the agenda specified five minutes and he prepared accordingly. <br />Requested 5 minutes to align with the agenda and Sunshine Law expectations.He <br /> <br />