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Regular Session Minutes <br />January 29, 2026 <br />Page 6 <br />strong confidence that commissioners will never regret choosing him and will be happy <br />with that decision. <br /> <br />Gary Yabuta,Executive Director <br />(HIDTA) program, federally funded, under the Executive Office of the President, and <br />newly appointed Honolulu Police Commissioner.The HIDTA board includes the four <br />He hasknown Mahuna since his <br />time as a detective and as HIDTA task force commander.Praised his consistent <br />professionalism and maturity from detective through interim chief.Highlighted that <br />today’s chief must be technologically savvy, especially inRecords management <br />systems,Computer-aided dispatch,Communications systems, and stated that Mahuna <br />possesses these capabilities. <br />John Bertsch, former Police Commissioner and Chair, expressed disappointment that <br />the Commission held interviews only in Kona, emphasizing the need for transparency <br />and inclusivity in the selection process. He stated that while he wishes all applicants <br />well, he is testifying in strong support of ReedMahuna. Bertsch said Mahuna’s <br />commitment, integrity, and family values align closely with both the community and the <br />department. He added that he does not make this recommendation lightly, noting that <br />his prior service to the County and the Commission gives him a unique perspective and <br />weight behind his endorsement. <br />Bill Derrtestified in strong support of Mahuna's appointmentas the next permanent <br />Chief of Police. Drawing on over 20 years of firsthand experience working with Mahuna, <br />including periods when Mahuna was his direct supervisor, he described Mahuna as a <br />mentor-style leader who empowers subordinates, avoids micromanagement, and uses <br />mistakes as opportunities for learning rather than punishment. Derr highlighted <br />Mahuna’s well-rounded experience across traffic enforcement, Vice, Criminal <br />Investigation Division, and union leadership, and characterized him as highly intelligent, <br />articulate, thoughtful, and fair. He emphasized Mahuna’s emotional intelligence and <br />ego-free leadership style, noting that Mahuna does not engage in favoritism, cliques, or <br />fear-based tactics, but instead unifies teams and holds people accountable fairly and <br />professionally. Derr concluded that this type of leadership, grounded in experience, <br />integrity, and competence, is critical for the entire island community, and he askedthe <br />Commission to select Mahuna as the next Police Chief. <br />Wayne DeLuz, a local business owner, community activist,former Police <br />Commissioner,and Chair, testified that selecting a new Chief is the most important <br />decision the Commission will make, as it sets the department’s direction for years. He <br />explained that when he previously served on the Commission, they focused on <br />leadership, well-round <br />Island’s unique culture and way of life, which led to the successful selection of a prior <br /> <br />