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HAWAI`I POLICE COMMISSION <br /> REGULAR SESSION MINUTES <br /> FEBRUARY 20, 2026 <br /> COUNTY BUILDING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, SUITE 1401 <br /> 25 AUPUNI STREET, HILO, HI <br /> UNAPPROVED MINUTES <br /> These minutes are DRAFT minutes. The commission has <br /> not voted to accept them. Changes may/may not be made prior to their adoption at the next <br /> meeting. <br /> CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL <br /> Chair Yamada called the meeting to order at 9.01 a.m. The meeting was held in person, <br /> with a courtesy livestream. <br /> Present: Greg Yamada, Chair <br /> Wendy Botelho, Vice Chair <br /> Lloyd Enriquez, Commissioner <br /> Junior Fischer, Commissioner <br /> Eileen Lacerte, Commissioner <br /> Jacob Tavares, Commissioner <br /> Bernadette Urban-Smith, Commissioner <br /> A quorum was present. <br /> Also present: Reed Mahuna, Police Chief <br /> Sherry Bird, Assistant Chief <br /> Scott Amaral, Major <br /> Thomas Shopay, Major <br /> Tuck Loy Aurello, Captain <br /> Edwin Buyten, Captain <br /> Sinclair Salas-Ferguson, Deputy Corporation Counsel <br /> Charisse Correa, Secretary <br /> STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS <br /> Roger Christie congratulated the new Police Chief, Reed Mahuna, and testified in <br /> support of ending the war on drugs and the policies of drug prohibition regarding <br /> cannabis and hemp, which he stated involve no criminal intent or victims. He urged <br /> acknowledgment of past policy mistakes and collaboration with lawmakers to change <br /> course, suggesting Hawaii Island could develop a significant cannabis and hemp <br /> industry with community benefits. He referenced letters he emailed from the Native <br /> American Church recognizing him and his wife as members in good standing of the <br /> THC Ministry and stated that their mission is to serve and uplift humanity. <br />