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Regular Session Minutes <br />January 29, 2026 <br />Page 5 <br />Mark Arnoldretiredfrom HPD in 2024,business agent for SHOPO.Stated that of the <br />eight finalists, only one should be chief,and that isMahuna.Described joint efforts with <br />Mahuna to clean up the mess left by the prior administration.There has been a 95% <br />reduction in new grievances.Only one grievance was filed this year, and it was resolved <br />before the ink was dry.Multiple older grievances were settled without arbitration, saving <br />money for both the county and union, with mutually satisfactory outcomes.Said such <br />cooperation is only possible whenleadership is willing to work with the union and vice <br />versa. <br />Randall Medeiros,retired police captainwith 29 years of service and an FBI National <br />Academy graduate,isalongtime colleague of Mahuna.Highlighted Mahuna’s respectful <br />treatment of all people.Spoke about Mahuna’s effectiveness as acting lieutenant in <br />Criminal Investigations. He supervised peers effectively, earned strong support and <br />respect from the unit, and ran the section better than any permanent lieutenant, <br />including himself.Concluded the best person for the job is already on the job. <br />Nancy Moser, a,and social services director, <br />thankedthe Commission forupholding its mission to ensure respect, due process,and <br />community-police respect.Maintaining a transparent selection process.Incorporating <br />community suggestions, including specific questions about federal cooperation and <br />values.Expressed confidence in the fairness of the Commission’s approach. <br />Bobby Jean Leithead-Todd,retired county official: Legislative Auditor, Council member, <br />Deputy Corporation Counsel, and department director. In all her capacities, she <br />interacted with HPD from multiple vantage points.She noted herlateson, Fire Chief <br />Kazuo Todd, hadspoken highly ofhis working relationship with the Police Department <br />andwith Interim Chief Mahuna.Emphasized the critical importance of good <br />inter-departmental relationships for the safety and future of this county, especially <br />between police,fire, and other county departments. Impressed with Mahuna’s servant <br />leadership philosophy and vision of a safe island for his own family and others.Praised <br />his openness and open-doorpolicy.Stressed that having a clear vision is essential, <br />stating,“We can’t get to a destination if we don’t know where we want to go.”She <br />strongly supported Mahuna’s appointment. <br />Linda Lingle,former Mayor of Maui, and,stated that <br />selecting a Chief of Police is one of the most important leadership decisions, given <br />responsibility for public safety and community trust.She described Mahuna as the <br />complete package of a leader, he loves and respects thedepartment and its people.He <br />cares deeply about the Big Island and its community. She first met Mahuna when he <br />was a young SHOPO representative; she remembered him as tough but thoughtful.Has <br />known him for 25 years, watched him grow as a person, leader, and chief.Expressed <br /> <br />