2004-04-16 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes April 16, 2004 Page 4 CHIEF'S REPORT Including: • Crime: Major Day answered questions on the crime report. The only significant case was the murder investigation of Jonna Metter which should be going to the prosecutor soon. • Traffic: Chief Mahuna reported that the majority of the accidents that resulted in fatalities have been caused by inattention and speed. The recent death of four people in Puna involved crystal meth. They are taking proactive measures such as putting officers on overtime on the Queen K Highway. Chair Hara stated that getting the public involved with calling in reckless drivers will help to prevent accidents. • Personnel: Major Day reported having 43 sworn and 10 civilian vacancies. Seventeen recruits will graduate in May. • Finance: Major Day answered questions on the written financial report. The new accountant has been hired. They have had a lot of overtime due to weather problems and manpower shortage. • Commendations: Chief Mahuna reported receiving 14 commendations since the last meeting. Due to their mission statement, he anticipates more commendations. • Commanders' meeting minutes: Chair Hara stated that they did not receive a copy. • Other departmental activities: Chief Mahuna reported that the County Council would be discussing the fleet vs. subsidized vehicle issue in Kona. The Legislative Auditor's report cited some old case experiments going back to 1973. They found that whether or not the cars were blue and white or whether the number of blue and white vehicles were increased, the citizens did not have any feeling that there were safer or that they had less of a fear of crime and that the crime trends did not go down. The county is looking at smart cars that have mobile data terminals that can retrieve information. However, they will need a digital microwave system for this, which they don't have. They will also need maintenance facilities for the fleet. He doesn't think the county could afford the vehicles at this point. They could put more blue and whites in areas like Kona where people want the visibility. Personally, he would rather spend the money in training. They will be attending a symposium on fleet cars and management. A procurement officer will also be attending to look at the numbers. They need to take a serious look at whether or not this will work and whether or not the county can afford these cars. Chief Mahuna reported that in the past six months that the ice task force has been in operation, they have executed close to 1,000 warrants. It is noteworthy not only of the units but also of the individual efforts. They are looking at dismantling major operations and also anyone who takes over the operations. He has gotten many phone calls from people stating that they feel safer. They have made it clear to Senator Inouye that it's more than a law enforcement effort. They also need treatment facilities, programs that are compatible with ice usage, and they need to take a holistic approach.