2026-01-29 Police Commission Regular Minutes

Home

Regular Session Minutes January 29, 2026 Page 9 definite and specific goals for the Police Department and carry out those goals as specified in the Chief’s annual goals; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and the private sector; and ability to deal effectively with people of various backgrounds and cultures within the community. Chair Yamada welcomed the Police Chief candidates and stated that the Commission intended to complete all interviews that day and reconvene the following day for further discussion and possible selection. He thanked the candidates for their interest in the position and explained that candidates would be called in one at a time in the previously selected order, beginning with Paul Yang, while the remaining candidates waited outside. Each candidate would be asked to introduce themselves, after which a commissioner would ask ten questions that would be asked of all candidates. Candidates would have three minutes to respond to each question, and a 30-second reminder would be given before time expired. He then called Paul Yang to begin the interviews. POLICE CHIEF INTERVIEWS All eight candidates were asked the same ten questions to ensure a consistent and fair evaluation process: I.Vision, Independence, and Executive Judgment: How do you preserve your independence as Chief while remaining accountable to the Police Commission, Mayor, and County Council? II.Scenario-Based Leadership: Officer-Involved Critical Incident: A fatal officer- involved shooting occurs, and body-worn camera footage is unclear. Community leaders demand immediate release of the video, while prosecutors advise delay. Walk us through your decision-making process. III.Accountability, Discipline, and Culture: Describe how you would handle a situation where your own prior decision as Chief turns out to be wrong or harmful. IV.Community Trust & Cultural Competence: Hawaii County has deep cultural traditions and diverse communities. How do you ensure HPD policies and practices reflect local values without compromising constitutional policing? V.Immigration, Civil Rights & Polarizing Issues: Under what circumstances, if any, would you authorize HPD participation in federal immigration enforcement activities?