2003-01-17 Police Commission Minutes

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Regular Session Minutes January 17, 2003 Page 4 • Personnel: Deputy Chief Kubojiri summarized the written report. They have 16 sworn and 15 civilian vacancies. A new recruit class was started yesterday. As of January 16, Sergeant Ron Paul of the Juvenile Aid Section was promoted to Lieutenant of South Hilo Patrol, Sergeant Lawrence Balberde of Communications Dispatch was promoted to Lieutenant of Kona Patrol, and Sergeant Jay Enanoria of the Training Section was promoted to Lieutenant of South Hilo Patrol. Chief Mahuna reported that SHOPO has agreed to allow 14 cellblock positions back on the road. The positions will be replaced with private security guards. The only holdup is writing up the RFP. Chief Mahuna reported that after many years of requesting an 18 -month probationary period for officers, the union has finally agreed. This will give them 9 additional months to evaluate an officer. They have found that some officers are not able to work in the field on their own, and this will allow them to weed them out. The union is in back of this, and they only need to work out minor details. Their working relationship with the union has improved. Chief Mahuna reported that the position for administrative assistant chief has been posted, and he estimates the position will be filled by the middle of February. Corporation Counsel Ashida informed that the commission could discuss the department's annual disciplinary report of personnel under this portion of the agenda, but because of the confidential nature, it should be done in executive session. Chair Hara asked that executive session discussion of discipline of personnel be held at the conclusion of the Chief's report. • Finance: Deputy Chief Kubojiri summarized the written report that was submitted for the commission's review. The department completed its budget review with the Director of Finance and Budget Administrator. Vice Chair Manago asked that on the financial report, they separate dispatch from administration in order for them to monitor the overtime. • Commendations: Deputy Chief Kubojiri reported receiving 9 commendations since the last meeting. Chief Mahuna reported that they are working on recognizing people before the entire command staff during the commanders' meetings. EXECUTIVE SESSION Chair Hara called for a motion to meet in executive session to discuss discipline of personnel. Commissioner Hendricks moved to meet in executive session to consider discipline and charges against officers or employees of the Hawaii County Police Department where consideration of matters affecting privacy will be involved and a closed session is requested and to consult with Corporation Counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities pursuant to HRS 92 -5 (2) and Hawaii County Charter Section 13 -20 (b). Vice Chair Manago seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.