2026-02-20 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes February 20, 2026 Page 2 Commissioner Tavares arrived at 9.08 a.m. Patti Cook thanked the Commission for its thorough and transparent process in selecting a new Police Chief and expressed appreciation for the high level of community engagement and strong candidate pool. She mentioned a recent community engagement meeting and encouraged commissioners to attend future meetings in their areas to build community connection and trust. She also reported on statewide efforts at the legislature to establish safe spaces and to keep local police separate from federal immigration enforcement. She noted that they will continue to seek the Commission's support on these issues, and commended recent progress by the Police Department and Commission in strengthening community trust. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT ON DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES Presented by the Police Chief and staff. Detailed written reports are on file. Highlights are summarized below: • Crime Report: Major Amaral reported that, through January 31, 2026, there were 3,215 serious crimes. Area I and Area II criminal investigation units investigated 525 of these crimes, with 374 in Area I and 151 in Area 11. • Calls for Service: For January 2026, the department received 10,430 calls for service (FYTD 70,916). • Traffic Report: Major Shopay reported that, through February 18, 2026, traffic crashes are at 574 compared to 557 last fiscal year. Traffic fatalities are at 10, compared to 11. DUI arrests are at 499, compared to 556 last fiscal year. DUI arrests for January 2026 compared to December 2025 are 63, compared to 59. In January, 5,226 citations were issued, including 3,567 for moving/regulatory, 310 for seat belt violations, 21 for child restraint violations, and 1,096 for speeding. • Vice Report: Captain Buyten reported on recent drug enforcement, including substantial methamphetamine seizures, heroin, fentanyl, and other substances, multiple felony arrests, and search warrants, including those related to internet crimes against children. There was discussion regarding how major drug seizures were affecting drug prices, related property and violent crime, and community impacts, as well as why Hawaii Island appears to have a higher fentanyl issue than other islands, and whether drugs were significantly affecting schools. • Personnel Report: Assistant Chief Bird reported a total of 99 sworn police vacancies in the field. After accounting for 13 recruits from the 104th class and 11 from the 105th class, the department currently has 75 actual unfilled sworn positions.