2004-05-21 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes May 21, 2004 Page 7 Chief Mahuna stated that they have given out a lot of citations and have done a lot of arrests. Commissioner Bertsch stated that with the road widening that is happening on the Queen K Highway, they have been diverting traffic both to the right and left as they repaved. The road has not been restriped and they only have temporary markers. A lot of tourists, people who are not familiar with the road, and more aggressive drivers feel more compelled to use this new, wide shoulder. If you drive down the highway now, and you haven't been on the highway in prior years, you would think it's a four - lane highway because it's not marked appropriately. Chief Mahuna stated that he received a letter from a bike rider stating that they like the bigger shoulders, but now cars think it's another driving lane. Chair Hara commended the chief and the department for a nice police week and a well- attended memorial service. Chief Mahuna reported that the County Council recently gave them thirteen funded positions, eight in Kona and five in Puna. They will be advertising for the positions. They are attracting applicants from other islands, especially because the Big Island has more affordable housing. Commissioner Bertsch inquired about a shooting range in West Hawaii, to which Chief Mahuna stated that Assistant Chief Hickcox is looking into it. Officers have to qualify yearly with their duty weapon and any other supplemental weapons. Vice Chair Manago inquired about the cadet program, to which Chief Mahuna reported that he has talked to the schools. The largest high schools are all for it, and want them to implement a program. He is waiting for the SROs to get into the schools to work on it. Hopefully they will develop mentorship. They hope to get the SROs in the schools around February of next year after their training is completed. Lunch recess was called at 12:55 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 2:40 p.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS • CORRESPONDENCE 04 -09, DARLENE TOMEL'S REQUEST TO WITHDRAW HER COMPLAINT HPC 03 -31. Vice Chair Manago motioned to accept her written withdrawal notice. Commissioner Frazier seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Ms. Pelayo informed that after she received the written withdrawal notice, Ms. Tomel left a phone message stating that she had not yet sent the commission any notification. She also left a non - working phone number. Commissioner Bertsch asked that they send a thank you letter to the Maui P.D. for tracking her down.