2004-03-19 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes March 19, 2004 Page 4 experienced a lot of growth. There is a perception of under - service in the whole district, and there is a great sense of fear developing. Assistant Chief Chai stated that they have not increased their patrol staff. There are 48 officers assigned to the Puna District, and they try to have 8 -9 officers on duty on each shift. Detectives are assigned to the Puna area. Building a new station in Puna and South Kona is a priority. • Personnel: Captain Ferreira summarized the written report. They have 45 sworn and 7 civilian vacancies. One recruit was called up for military duty and another resigned. • Finance: Captain Ferreira summarized the written financial report. • Commendations: Deputy Chief Kubojiri reported receiving 8 commendations since the last meeting. He thanked Vice Chair Manago for supporting the police department at the hearing before the County Council and agreed with Chair Hara that they should have done a better job. Deputy Chief Kubojiri reported that many of the traffic accidents around the island have been attributed to speed and inattention. They have been using the speed board to warn drivers of their speed. They hope that by next month or early May they will have the defensive driving course which all officers with go through. With this, they hope to reduce the number of accidents as well as their insurance rates. Vice Chair Manago reported that he did some research and found that in the past three years 41,000 new vehicles have been added onto the roadways. Chair Hara reported that the next staff meeting is scheduled for March 23, at 1:30, at the Shultz Siding Building. Commanders' meeting minutes: Vice Chair Manago reported that at the last commanders' meeting, it was pointed out that some sergeants are making more money that some EM captains. The TSA is always looking for men, and he would hate to lose men to TSA. Oahu, Kauai, and Maui are also having vacancy problems. Commissioner Frazier expressed concern that the Mayor found more money for other departments who will be receiving more personnel, but not the police department. Deputy Chief Kubojiri stated that they are unable to fill their current vacancies. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None. NEW BUSINESS • Correspondence 04 -1, from Officer Iris McGuire requesting legal counsel in Civil No. 03 -1 -0288. Commissioner de Silva motioned to accept Corporation Counsel's