2004-01-16 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 16, 2004 Page 4 • Other departmental activities: Commissioner de Silva expressed concern that they still have not finalized their recommendations on the investigative procedures. It is important that they complete the recommendations independent of the Chief's input. After it is completed, they should send it to the Chief and the Mayor. Chief Mahuna reported that the Ice Task Force on both sides of the island has been very effective. Between the two, they have initiated in excess of 300 warrants and have hit over 400 homes with ice. One of the indicators that this task force is working, is that they are getting less and less calls on their hotline. The department will be getting more dogs and will focus on the airports such as Keahole, Fed Ex, and UPS in hopes of cutting off the entry points to the island. Commissioner Mitchell, on behalf of the Volcano Community, commended the Chief and the Ice Task Force for their work in the Volcano community. She stated that some people don't want to call the hotline for fear of reprisal. Chief Mahuna stated that all calls to the hotline are kept confidential. UNFINISHED BUSINESS • Correspondence 03 -114, Corporation Counsel Ashida to consult with OIP on complainants and the accused giving statements in executive session. Corporation Counsel Ashida reported that he has not yet received a response from the OR Chair Hara stated that this would be deferred to February. Correspondence 03 -126 and 03 -118, Salary Commission's request for input into its suggestions on the compensation for the Police Chief and Deputy Chief. Chief Mahuna reported that he sent a memo to the Salary Commission's Chairman Glenn Hara regarding the proposed tier system compensation plan. With this plan, at the end of the four -year contract, the Assistant Chief will be making more than the Chief. The department head needs to be paid more than his subordinates. Chair Hara stated that in his testimony to the Salary Commission, he suggested that they have a fixed percentage between the department heads and subordinates. Essentially, if they keep that percentage, the salary of the leadership would progress, and they wouldn't have to keep going back to the Salary Commission for a raise. Chief Mahuna stated that they have very good individuals in staff positions. However, a senior Assistant Chief would be making $4,000 45,000 more than the Chief. Money is not the total incentive, but in a structured organization like the Police Department, the Chief and the Deputy should not be making less than their subordinates. They would also have a difficult time finding applicants if this continues. Chair Hara stated that they would support the Chief's recommendation. There were no objections. • Follow -up to discussions at special meeting on December 8 on procedures for investigating complaints.