2006-08-11 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes August 11, 2006 Page 4 Commissioner Politano Steckel welcomed the opportunity to meet with the SHOPO board members, although the agenda was quite long. The second page of the agenda was not relevant to the Police Commission. Commissioner Kaoiwi thought it would give them an opportunity to better understand what is going on, although he did not want to get into areas that were not within their responsibility. Commissioner Frazier thought the agenda was a big step. Perhaps they could do little steps. He would like to know more about the dialog before committing a whole day. Their agenda might be biased towards items not within the commission's purview. Chief Mahuna stated that the first page looked okay, but not the second. SHOPO and the Police Commission know their function. He has an open door for those with viable concerns. Commissioner Lundkvist questioned why they would want to have a seminar. The first page of the agenda is okay, but not the second? She doesn't think they should do it at all. Chair Lassiter pointed out that it was SHOPO's suggestion. Commissioner Lundkvist questioned what their need to know was. Commissioner Politano stated it was just to understand another group. Commissioner Lundkvist questioned whether it was their job to understand another group. Commissioner Robinson stated that it gives them both perspectives. If they don't feel it's appropriate to the commission's role, they should call it. Commissioner Lundkvist stated that SHOPO should send them an informational packet. Chair Lassiter asked for Corporation Counsel's opinion on the proposed seminar. Corporation Counsel Ashida stated that labor management relations are in the exclusive purview of the Police Chief. If SHOPO wants to provide information, they could come to the Police Commission's meeting. Otherwise, it's the Chief's job. Recess was called at 10:35 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:49 a.m. PUBLIC STATEMENT Brenda Ford, candidate for Council and neighborhood watch coordinator for Kona, stated that they have been trying for more than three years to staff a 24 -hour South Kona police station. The majority of them who live in the neighborhood would like a station no farther north than the current one and going farther south is too winding. They are concerned that they still do not have 24 -hour police station and have only two officers at a time. They are the most active neighborhood watch on the island. They want the Police Commission to help with everything they can for a new station. The area of Konawaena High School would cause traffic problems, and it is in an area of a flood zone. They need speed of completion, a safe area, and an area not jammed with traffic all the time. The area by the high school is a bad location for a police station. Their group is not suggesting a location, only saying what they do not want.