2005-08-12 Police Commission Minutes

Home

Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes August 12, 2005 Page 3 • Public Relations (Bertsch /Lassiter): No report. CHIEF'S REPORT Including: • Crime: Assistant Chief James Day explained the written report. Lieutenant Marshall Kanehailua of the Ice Task Force gave a brief rundown on Operation Capsize, a major drug case in which drug dealers used cattle containers for shipping crystal methamphetamine. During the operation, they identified four large -scale crystal methamphetamine distribution networks on the Big Island. Over fifteen months, they did eleven wiretaps and twenty -five search warrants. Forty -seven individuals were arrested, nineteen of which were indicted federally. They seized $429,677 in cash, eleven vehicles, 4 of which were dump trucks and big equipment, and one motorcycle. They also recovered 31 firearms. • Traffic: Assistant Chief Nakamichi reported having three traffic fatalities in July. • Personnel: Assistant Chief Osorio entertained questions to the written report, to which there were none. • Finance: Accountant Kay Nishibayashi entertained questions to the written report. With regards to encumbered funds, she stated that the county council stated that they would hold the funds until the police department requests them. Commissioner Kaoiwi expressed concern about officers returning from active military duty. He inquired whether the department had budgeted to address psychological concerns. AC Day stated that when officers return, they go through a de- briefing process before returning to work. Chief Mahuna stated that they would look into integrating these officers, including use of force. • Commendations: Chief Mahuna reported receiving eleven commendations for the month. Other Departmental Activities: Chief Mahuna reported that the RMS is supposed to be fully functional, although they are finding glitches, especially in remote areas of Area II. They had 34 burglaries in Volcano since January, and that is an excessive number for a small area. They have suspects, and arrests are forthcoming. He emphasized that the police department is dependent on the community for help. For the first time in history, the department is running three recruit classes in one year. Every year they lose about eighteen officers due to retirement, etc. Commissioner Frazier expressed appreciation from the Waimea and North and South Kohala communities for the police department's assistance with the recent fires. Commissioner Kaoiwi thanked the Chief for allowing them to attend the department's monthly staff meeting which was very informative. Recess was called at 10:45 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 11:00 a.m.