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HAWAI`I POLICE COMMISSION <br /> REGULAR SESSION MINUTES <br /> JANUARY 30, 2026 <br /> WEST HAWAI`I CIVIC CENTER, BUILDING A, COUNCIL CHAMBERS <br /> 74-5044 ANE KEOHOKALOLE HIGHWAY, KAILUA-KONA, HI <br /> CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL <br /> Chair Yamada called the meeting to order at 9.00 a.m. The meeting was held in person, <br /> with a courtesy livestream. <br /> Present: Greg Yamada, Chair <br /> Wendy Botelho, Vice Chair <br /> Arthur Buckman, Commissioner <br /> Lloyd Enriquez, Commissioner <br /> Junior Fischer, Commissioner <br /> Eileen Lacerte, Commissioner <br /> Jacob Tavares, Commissioner <br /> Bernadette Urban-Smith, Commissioner <br /> Absent: Rick Robinson, Commissioner <br /> A quorum was present. <br /> Also present: Sinclair Salas-Ferguson, Deputy Corporation Counsel <br /> Charisse Correa, Secretary <br /> STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS <br /> Each speaker was given three minutes to testify on an agenda item. <br /> Michelle Kuali`i, community member and civilian employee of the Hawaii Police <br /> Department, urged the Commission to select a chief whose integrity, honesty, <br /> transparency, and moral courage are beyond question. She emphasized the importance <br /> of leadership that supports officers while holding them accountable, and that builds trust <br /> with the community through presence, approachability, and respect. She shared <br /> personal concerns about perceived bullying conduct by one applicant and urged that the <br /> selection process be transparent, fair, and free from undue influence. <br /> Lieutenant Erich Jackson, Hawaii Police Department, Vice Division, described his <br /> background and experience on Hawaii Island and stressed the importance of a chief <br /> who understands the island's unique community and culture from day one. He <br /> highlighted Interim Chief Mahuna's role in establishing and leading the Vice Division, <br /> noting its statewide success in narcotics seizures, and praised Mahuna's commitment, <br />