2007-03-16 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes March 16, 2007 Page 3 • Traffic: A.C. Pacheco reported that the DUI fatality count is significantly down from last year, but DUI arrests are significantly up. The DUI count is higher on the west side. The State has been monitoring the intersection by Teshima's Restaurant, and an officer has been working there. Traffic is moving steadily, and there is no gridlock. Public Works is extending the trial for another 90 days. Commissioner Kaoiwi expressed concerned about kids using the Railroad Avenue area of Hawaiian Homes as a race track for their ATVs. Commissioner Lundkvist asked whether the police was taking a stand on roundabouts. A.C. Pacheco stated that he has driven on several roundups. It has its purpose, but there are areas that are not practical. • Personnel: A.C. Ferreira reported having 43 sworn and 17 civilian vacancies. A recruit class graduated the day before. He further reported that they are working closely with Human Resources and have offered classes at the community college on studying and taking exams. • Finance: AC Ferreira stated that they hired an Accountant I in December, but she left the day before. As far as the CIPs, money has been set outside for the firing range, and it will go to a private contractor. Commissioner Frazier inquired into how they could get higher up in the pecking order of Public Works, how they could get Public Works to be more responsive to their needs. A.C. Ferreira stated that Public Works is creating a maintenance facility, and they should be going to all facilities and prioritizing the jobs. Chief Mahuna reported that the State has a scheduled maintenance program, but the County does not. This is evident on the buildings in the Waimea Civic Center. The courthouse (State building) is more maintained that the police station (County building). • Commendations: Chief Mahuna reported receiving seven commendations in the past month. He commended A.C. Pacheco for taking a proactive approach on solving crimes in the West Hawai'i area. • Commander's Meeting Minutes of February 20, 2007: No discussion. • Other Departmental Activities: Chief Mahuna reported that they will be starting up a Hawai'i's Most Wanted TV program. However, closed captioning will be a stumbling block.