2026-01-30 Police Commission Regular Minutes

Home

Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 30, 2026 Page 6 DISCUSSION REGARDING SELECTION OF POLICE CHIEF Chair Yamada stated that the Commission would discuss and possibly decide on remaining aspects of the selection process, including issues raised at the January 29, 2026, meeting. He began by asking whether the conditional offer should include a criminal background check and/or a background investigation. Commissioner Lacerte expressed support for proceeding with such checks. Vice Chair Botelho stated that both a background investigation and criminal background check are important to ensure transparency and to avoid selecting an undesirable candidate for this high-level position, emphasizing the need to cover all bases. Chair Yamada clarified that any conditional offer would be contingent upon a favorable background investigation reported to the Commission. Vice Chair Botelho agreed and added that, once the checks are completed, the Commission should meet to review the findings and proceed from there. Chair Yamada further clarified that a favorable finding, based on HPD standard background and criminal checks, would result in an official permanent offer. Commissioner Tavares asked for clarification regarding the job posting requirement that the selected candidate also undergo a pre-entry medical examination and drug screening. Vice Chair Botelho confirmed that these, too, must be returned as favorable to the Commission, and Commissioner Tavares expressed support. Commissioner Urban-Smith asked whether, after favorable results are received, the Commission would then discuss the matter at its February meeting while making the selection today. Chair Yamada confirmed that today's decision would be a conditional offer. Chair Yamada then called for a motion. Vice Chair Botelho moved that the appointment be made pending a favorable criminal background check and a favorable background investigation, per HPD standards. Commissioner Lacerte seconded. With no further discussion, all were in favor, and the motion carried unanimously. SELECTION OF POLICE CHIEF Chair Yamada invited additional public testimony. Nancy Moser requested clarification on the prior motion. Chair Yamada explained that any offer to the selected candidate would be conditional upon a favorable HPD criminal background check and background investigation. Ms. Moser asked whether this also included requirements in the job posting (such as medical examinations). Commissioner Tavares clarified that, at the next meeting, once all results are received, the Commission will deliberate on whether the conditions have been met and whether to extend a formal offer. Ms. Moser thanked the Commission.