2004-09-10 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes September 10, 2004 Page 5 • Finance: Accountant Kay Nishibayashi summarized the written financial report. She explained that janitorial and air conditioning is higher because the cost was encumbered. • Commendations: Chief Mahuna reported receiving four commendations. • Other Departmental Activities: Chief Mahuna reported that recruitment has always been a difficult process. The one - year residency requirement has been null and void for a few years, and they are taking police officers from other jurisdictions. In fact, they have a 15 -year veteran from Wisconsin going through training. The statement that they do not take people not from Hawaii is not correct. He has talked to at least five people in the past few weeks that want to come over. They want to provide a mentorship program for young adults 17 -21 years of age. This seems to be the age group when young adults seem to get involved in activities that would exclude them from the recruitment process. Their civilian staff is just as taxed as their sworn staff, and the cadets could help with this. The police department is proactive in trying to prevent traffic accidents such as using PSAs, speed boards, and officers working extra hours. Commissioner Bertsch stated that they are faced with the same situation that happened with Commissioner Muller. He regularly sees people driving recklessly at a high rate of speed. They could tell people to call 911 to report reckless drivers. Commissioner Lundkvist stated that she was raised in New York City, and applauds Commissioner Muller. Maybe they could turn things around and praise people for their good driving record. Chief Mahuna stated that a person could pursue a reckless driving case, if he or she knows the individual. With regards to cameras on signal lights, the problem would be with resolution. If you get a blur going 90 mph, it would be difficult to identify the driver. In response to Commissioner Frazier's inquiry into CIP projects and the possibility of getting independent money and then leasing, Chief Mahuna stated that they have not explored this • Commanders' Meeting Minutes: No discussion. Recess was called at 11:05 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 11:22 a.m. UNFINISHED BUSINESS • SHOPO prohibitive practices complaint. SHOPO believes that it is ill advised and premature for the police commission to adopt new rules and procedures. Corporation Counsel Ashida requested an executive session to consult with his clients, the commission.