2005-04-15 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes April 15, 2005 Page 3 Traffic: Major John Dawrs summarized the written report. Their enforcement efforts don't seem to have a bearing on the number of traffic fatalities. Their presence on the Queen K Highway is making a difference. People know they are out there and are slowing down, and they are issuing fewer tickets. There is an equal amount of citations given to local residents and tourists. They have had a lot of positive comments about their traffic enforcement on the Queen K Highway. Commissioner Frazier stated that at the South Kohala Traffic Committee meeting, the DOT Director stated that he was committing two signboards that could also be used for speed boards. Chief Mahuna reported that many of the fatalities are from people being catapulted out of the car and hitting the lava. Seat belt usage has dropped, so their emphasis will be on speed and seat belt usage. Personnel: Deputy Chief Kubojiri reported having 73 vacant position numbers. The 65th recruit class, consisting of 12 people, will start on Monday. Another class is expected to startup in July. They want to have at least 12 people in the class, and it would be small enough to be held in their conference room. Since December, Civil Service has been giving the recruit test every month. Right now, they have approximately 19 people who passed the written and agility test. Historically, two - thirds of the people are screened out. Civil Service has placed an ad in the LA Times and is looking at other West Coast newspapers. Commissioner Steckel suggested that they tutor applicants. She also suggested that the recruits be trained in sensitivity. Chief Mahuna reported that they are still working on the cadet program. They would like to move from the cadet program right into recruit training. They are also looking into the pay structure to pay people to get an associates degree in police science. Shortages in police departments is not only island wide, but also nationwide Finance: Accountant Kay Nishibayashi stated that the donation of the speed boards would have to be approved by the County Council. The high amount of overtime is due to the high number of vacancies. Assistant Chief Day stated that a lot of the overtime for the Traffic Enforcement Unit and Vice Section is paid for by grants, and it does not show up in the financial report. Chief Mahuna stated that they would inform the commission in advance of the next budget go- around with the County Council. • Commendations: Chief Mahuna reported receiving nine commendations since the last meeting. Other Departmental Activities: Chief Mahuna reported that they had a National Academy Refresher Training Course that looked at training against terrorism. The police department has received anti - terrorism mandates that are totally unfunded. The 2006 HIDA budget has been drastically cut. This could curtail vice activities in the narcotic field. He asked for the commission's support in contacting major politicians. He will make a letter that he sent out available to the commission. Recess was called at 10:35 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:55 a.m.