2026-01-30 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 30, 2026 Page 9 Chair Yamada asked if there was any further discussion; hearing none, he called for a motion to extend a conditional offer. Commissioner Tavares moved that the Commission extend a conditional job offer for the position of Chief of Police to Interim Chief Reed Mahuna. Vice Chair Botelho seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. A roll call vote was taken: • Vice Chair Botelho —yes • Commissioner Buckman — yes • Commissioner Enriquez— yes • Commissioner Fischer— yes • Commissioner Lacerte — yes • Commissioner Tavares — yes • Commissioner Urban-Smith — yes • Chair Yamada — abstained The motion carried, and Chair Yamada announced that the Commission had voted to present a conditional offer to Interim Chief Reed Mahuna. When invited to speak, Interim Chief Mahuna expressed gratitude for the opportunity and respect for all candidates who participated in the process. He described the experience as humbling and stated that he would not take the Commission's trust for granted. He reiterated his commitment not to let the Commission or the community down and said he would demonstrate his leadership and vision for the department, expressing confidence that great things would be accomplished for the community. He thanked the Commission for its consideration, time, and vote of confidence. A recess was called at 11.05 a.m., and the meeting reconvened at 11.25 a.m. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING Chair Yamada stated that one agenda item for the next meeting will be the review of the background investigation for the Chief of Police. The Commission then discussed administrative details related to the Chief's background investigation. Returning briefly to Agenda Item III (Discussion Regarding Selection of the Police Chief), Commissioner Tavares moved that, given Interim Chief Mahuna's current role and conditional offer to be the permanent Chief, and the potential perceived conflict in having him oversee his own background investigation, the Commission designate Assistant Chief Sherry Bird to oversee and direct the background investigation process.