2006-04-21 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes April 21, 2006 Page 3 working as the department's media liaison. She will be updating the website and preparing the annual report. She will try to do a feature story with the newspaper on officers returning from Iraq. She has booked two radio spots for police week. Commissioner Robinson stated that SHOPO is very visible on the local access cable, and inquired about doing something similar. CHIEF'S REPORT Including: • Crime: Assistant Chief Day explained the format of the written crime report and the high number for thefts. Traffic: Major Dawrs summarized the written report. In response to Commissioner Whittemore's inquiry, he stated that they do not target tourists, but at the same time, they don't not give them tickets. Commissioner Whittemore asked that they show the DUI stats by district. Jackie Murai stated that the task force is looking into the sentences to see if the court is maximizing the use of the sentence. Assistant Chief Osorio stated that in terms of the "You Drink, You Drive, You Lose" program, it is working. They are gradually seeing seatbelt compliance and have the highest compliance rate in the nation. About 10% of DU Is also have other violations. • Personnel: Assistant Chief Osorio reported having 72 sworn vacancies. There are 17 recruits in the 67th recruit class. They will be starting another class withl2 recruits and hope to start another one in September. By this time next year, they hope to have a more cheerful vacancy report. • Finance: Accountant Kay Nishibayashi entertained questions to the financial report and explained the grant budget. • Commendations: Chief Mahuna reported receiving 9 commendations since the last meeting. • Commander's meeting minutes of March 21, 2006: No discussion. • Other departmental activities: Chief Mahuna reported that they will be working in concert with Parks and Recreation on the Halehalewai substation. Hopefully, this will help reduce criminal activity in the park area. Regarding impaired drivers, the death rate on our roads far exceeds homicides. The Impaired Driving Task Force needs to focus on the judiciary side, any side that's falling down. He would like to have commissioners be part of the task force. Regarding the Kona station, his personal feeling is that they should just demolish the old Captain Cook station and put a 2 -3 level building in its place. It is a perfect location. For growth, he recommends a multi -level building. They will also need a shooting range. This property is in the most appropriate location, although the area has insufficient parking. On the plus side, the gas pumps are already there. He would like to