2007-05-18 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes May 18, 2007 Page 3 what was their reason, and if it was factual. The money comes from federal funds, not the county's general funds. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law. A.C. Day stated that all the grants are specific. The marijuana grant can only be used to eradicate marijuana. The hard drug grant can only be used for hard drugs. • Traffic: A.C. Day reported that the "Click It or Ticket" campaign is going on statewide. They are doing DUI roadblocks in the afternoons with participation from different high school groups. • Personnel: A.C. Ferreira reported having 38 sworn and 13 civilian vacancies. The 70Th recruit class just graduated. The 71 st class is expected to hit the road in February. They hope to have 20 recruits in the 72" class. The department averages 25 losses in personnel each year due to retirement, separation, etc. Hopefully, the new SHOPO contract will make a difference in retention and recruitment. Commissioner Whittemore stated that in last week's newspaper, a woman alleged discrimination in hiring. The police department was one of the departments mentioned. There has to be another side to the story. A.C. Ferreira stated that according to the article, she applied for ten different positions. She went to eight different interviews at different departments, and she wasn't selected for any of them. That might be saying something for the candidate as opposed to the employers. No one has raised issues with them. Commissioner Kaoiwi reported that he spoke with the Chief about a nurse for the cellblock. Right now, when an inmate needs medication, he has to be transported to the hospital. This takes about 2 '/z hours. If that person has to go twice a day, they lose 5 hours of an officer's work time. He doesn't want the liability to be put on the police officer, supervisor, or even the Chief as to dispensing medication or injections. The Chief stated that they have been requesting a nurse for years but always gets turned down. They need to lobby the Council to at least give them an LPN to work in the cellblock. • Finance: No discussion to the written report. • Commander's meeting minutes of April 17, 2007: No discussion. • Other Departmental Activities: Chief Mahuna reported that there is a misconception that they are targeting people with marijuana certificates. He will not allow his people to waste their time on seven plants (medicinal use). The federal government may deputize county employees to conduct federal eradication programs. They always find marijuana with ice, cocaine, and heroin. It is used in combination with