2026-02-20 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes February 20, 2026 Page 6 Chair Yamada announced that the commission reviewed Reed Mahuna's background investigation for his permanent appointment. Based on the background investigation, he asked for a motion to confirm Chief Mahuna. Commissioner Lacerte made a motion to confirm Chief Mahuna as the Police Chief. Seconded by Vice Chair Botelho, with no discussion, the motion carried unanimously. Chair Yamada offered Chief Mahuna the official appointment as Police Chief, which he accepted with appreciation. Chair Yamada reminded him that his Deputy Chief appointment will require Commission confirmation. EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC) Chair Yamada asked for a motion to meet in executive session to consider charges against officers or employees of the police department, where matters affecting privacy will be involved and may consult with the board's attorney on questions and issues pertaining to the Commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities pursuant to HRS § 92-5 (a)(2)(4) and the Hawaii County Charter Section 13-20 (b). Commissioner Tavares so moved, seconded by Vice Chair Botelho, with no discussion, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10.47 a.m. Motion to reconvene open session made by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Urban-Smith, with no discussion, and it carried unanimously. The regular session reconvened at 12.47 p.m. Chair Yamada stated for the record that there was no one from the public present for public testimony. ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS • Consideration and investigation of complaints: o HPC 25-41: Complainant alleges that the officer did not take a report, provided inaccurate information, and was disrespectful. Commissioner Fischer motioned that there was insufficient evidence to prove the complaint's allegations of misconduct, seconded by Vice Chair Botelho, with no discussion; the motion carried unanimously. o HPC 26-02: Complainant alleges that the officer's report was inaccurate and false, and that no response was received despite multiple attempts to contact the officer. Vice Chair Botelho motioned that there was insufficient evidence to prove the complaint's allegations of misconduct, seconded by Commissioner Urban- Smith, with no discussion; the motion carried unanimously.