2004-10-15 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes October 15, 2004 Page 4 Traffic: Major Dawrs summarized the written report. They have been tasked with assigning officers to areas that they don't normally patrol with radar such as the Manuka boundary, Queen K Highway, and the mauka road. In response to Vice Chair Manago stating that Area II has a large amount of auto thefts, Major Dawrs stated that Kona has a lot of tourists that people prey on. Oftentimes tourists are observed putting all their valuables in their trunk before they leave the car. The department does periodic stakeouts. The visitor industry does not want to put out large signs that might scare tourists. • Personnel: Chief Mahuna stated that they hope to have the two Assistant Chiefs by December. Vice Chair Manago stated that with the new rookies in West Hawaii, he now sees more police officers patrolling the streets. In response to Corporation Counsel Ashida's inquired into whether there were minimum requirements for majors and assistance chiefs and whether the department had flexibility. Chief Mahuna stated that a captain has to have been a captain for one year before becoming a major, but they do have flexibility. Corporation Counsel Ashida stated that in his department, he has seen some requirements in the MQs that are outdated. He would like the chief to have flexibility in selecting people he trusts and needs. Finance: There were no questions to the written report. Commendations: Chief Mahuna reported receiving 15 commendations since the last meeting. This shows a trend that people are becoming more and more satisfied with the services that the department is providing, and they are taking more ownership of the police department. • Commanders' meeting minutes: Chief Mahuna reported that the commanders have been informed to proactively look at areas where people are dying on our streets. Speed has been determined to be the biggest cause. Commanders have been asked to come up with plans and areas for enforcement. They are having a difficult time with morning and afternoon traffic. Commissioner Bertsch expressed concern over the article in the newspaper of the woman who passed another vehicle on the right shoulder. The newspaper vindicated her. He asked if they could file a complaint against her. Chief Mahuna stated that Commissioner Muller could file a complaint. Commissioner Bertsch asked if they could send out media releases stating that passing on the right is illegal. In response to an ongoing complaint, Chief Mahuna stated that waiting on a case for 90 days is a very long time, especially if it's a small case. This was brought up with the commanders. GOs says that they are to contact people on the status of their