2003-11-21 Police Commission Minutes

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HAWAII COUNTY POLICE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 21, 2003 WAIMEA CIVIC CENTER CALL TO ORDER Chair Horace Hara called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m. ROLL CALL Present: Horace S. Hara, Chair Also Present Dwight K. Manago, Vice Chair John M. Bertsch Commissioner Paul M. de Silva, Commissioner James A. Frazier, Commissioner Phoebe M. Lambeth, Commissioner Betsy Mitchell, Commissioner Walter Moe, Commissioner Pete Muller, Commissioner A quorum was present. Lawrence Mahuna, Chief Thomas Hickcox, Assistant Chief James O'Connor, Detective Melvin Yamamoto, Detective Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel Josie Pelayo, Secretary APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Lambeth motioned to approve the agenda. Commissioner Muller seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS - Open to the public Chair Hara explained the difference between open and closed session. OFFICER VAN REYES came before the commission in response to Complaint HPC 03 -27 filed against him by Mr. Kerry Long. It came about after Mr. Long went to the station to complain about barking dogs in the Puueo area. He realized that yelling at Mr. Long was uncalled for, so he immediately talked to his captain and sergeant about it and then apologized to Mr. Long. STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS (EXECUTIVE SESSION) - Closed to the public Commissioner Lambeth motioned to meet in executive session to consider discipline and charges against officers or employees of the Hawai'i 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 Hawai'i County Charter Section 13 -20 (b). Commissioner Muller seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. The commission convened into executive session at 10:20 a.m., and reconvened back into regular session at 12:00 noon. MR. KERRY LONG came before the commission in response to his complaint HPC 03 -27. When he complained at the station about the barking dogs, he was told to speak to his community - policing officer. When he did, Officer Van Reyes threatened to arrest him. The officer did apologize, but he was traumatized by the incident. He believes the officer needs more education. NEW BUSINESS Correspondence 03 -97, presentation by the Department of Civil Service on the receipt, use, and handling of sensitive materials.