2004-12-10 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes December 10, 2004 Page 5 • Other Departmental Activities: Chief Mahuna reported that he will be attending a HIDTA, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Conference in Washington, D.C. along with Sergeant Ernest Saldua who will be receiving an award for "Outstanding Investigative Effort." They are working with the U.S. Attorney's office to effectively conduct the Weed and Seed Program in Pahoa. All commanders were given instructions to come up with island -wide proactive enforcement plans of action for traffic enforcement during the holidays. The following promotions will be effective December 16: James Day, Assistant Chief of Area I Operations; Ronald Nakamichi, Assistant Chief of Area II Operations; Derek Pacheco, Major, Area I Operations; Sam Thomas, Major, Technical Services; and Paul Ferreira, Major, Administrative Bureau. • Chief's Goals and Objectives and Year -End Report: No discussion. UNFINISHED BUSINESS • Correspondence 04 -74, request for legal counsel by Officer Walter K. Ah Mow, III, in CV04 005738PK brought by Thomas Schmidt. Vice Chair Manago requested an executive session in order to consult with Corporation Counsel. • Correspondence 04 -79, regarding Chief Lawrence Mahuna's proposal for salary increase and car allowance. Chair Hara stated that they all received Vice Chair Manago's written proposal. The Salary Commission is to consult with boards and commission who have appointing authority. Vice Chair Manago motioned to accept his proposal for presentation to the Salary Commission. Commission Bertsch seconded the motion. Discussion: Commissioner Bertsch stated that he is in full agreement, but it seems that there must be a better methodology. In correspondence from the Maui Police Commission, they say that the chief shall have a percentage about the highest paid employee, so at no time would any employee make more than the Chief. Vice Chair Manago stated that on Maui, the Deputy Chief makes 10% more and the Chief 15% more than the highest paid employee. During Kauai's search for a new Chief, they did not have a large number of applicants, and ended up hiring a lieutenant. When Chief Correa left, he took a position that paid $110,000 a year. They are not looking at an exorbitant salary, but one that is fair. Subordinates should not be making more than the Chief and Deputy Chief. If all sections get raises, then the Chief and Deputy Chief should, too. Chair Hara stated that the gun and uniform allowance was changed to standard of conduct pay, and that doesn't look good in the eyes of the public. Vice Chair Manago stated that he left the specific amount out because he wanted recommendations from the other commissioners. Chief Mahuna stated that he has a