2003-06-20 Police Commission Minutes

Home

Regular Session Minutes June 20, 2003 Page 3 Finance: Accountant Nori Tanaka summarized the written report. Commendations: Chief Mahuna reported having 14 commendations since the last meeting Other Activities: Chief Mahuna reported that they continue to engage in strategic planning and leadership training in conjunction with their monthly staff meetings. This has opened up very healthy dialog between him and his commanders who are becoming more proactive in affecting changes in their districts. Chair Hara asked if they could publicize the commendations in the quarterly reports. Commissioner Moe asked if they could publicize it in the newspapers. Commissioner Frazier stated that they could place something in the paper like how the Kona paper does for officers of the month. Chief Mahuna reported that they are presently involved in the "Weed and Seed" program. The police department, along with the prosecutor's office, and other agencies are vying for a grant that designates a certain area as a "Weed and Seed" area. What it amounts to is weeding or enforcement done into a certain area. A nonprofit organization such as the YMCA then comes in and does the seeding, the preventative, educational part. They are looking to have this program in East and West Hawaii and hope this will make a difference, especially in the war on ice. The letter of intent is due in August, and October is the deadline for submittal of the application. He and his staff have been attending a multitude of public meetings, especially in the evenings, and have been able to see how the people feel about the police department and their responsiveness to complaints. Effective June 23, Captain Ronald Nakamichi will be the major in charge of administration. Lieutenant Chadwick Fukui will command the North and South Kohala Districts, Captain Derek Pacheco the Puna District, and Captain Larry Weber South Hilo Patrol. Chair Hara announced that the canine demonstration will be after lunch The commission recessed for lunch at 12:55 p.m. and reconvened at 1:45 p.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None NEW BUSINESS- None ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS Investigation and Deliberation of Complaints Complaint HPC 03 -06: Complainant alleged that an officer issued her a citation and then told her brother, who is a police officer, about the citation. The complainant was deferred at the last meeting due to a lack of a quorum vote. Vice Chair Manago moved to exonerate the officer on the charge of performance of duty. Commissioner Muller seconded the motion, and it carried with a nay by Commissioner Lambeth and an abstention by Commissioner de Silva. Complaint HPC 03 -07: Complainant alleged that the officer, who responded to his complaint of being assaulted, failed to perform his duties and then covered it up by filing a false and incomplete report. Commissioner Muller moved to exonerate the officer on the charge of performance of duty. Commissioner Frazier seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously.