2007-08-24 Police Commission Minutes

Home

Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes August 24, 2007 Page 3 Captain Rapoza stated that Borders has books about taking Civil Service tests. They want qualified applicants. It is not their job to teach them to read and write. They train people to be police officers. It's not necessarily the smartest person to be a police officer, but the right person. • Finance: Accountant Kay Oshiro reported that she distributed the approved fiscal year budget for 2008. Chair Lassiter stated that they would like to reallocate the Secretary's position and inquired into the process. Ms. Oshiro stated that it has to go through the Chief's office. Commissioner Kaoiwi questioned whether they had enough funds for overtime. Ms. Oshiro stated that every year they ask the Council not to remove the vacant positions so that they could use it to pay for overtime. At this point, they do have enough money for overtime. • Commendations: Chief Mahuna reported receiving eight commendations, involving 42 employees, since the last meeting. Chief Mahuna reported that the new cadet class will start on October 1 , in the training room, and they would like to have the commissioners welcome them. • Commander's Meeting Minutes of July 17, 2007: No discussion. • Other Departmental Activities: Chief Mahuna reported that this is the first time in a long time they have this many recruits in training, about 35. When all the recruits complete their training, they will have only thirty something vacancies. Regarding the cadet program, they are working on a phase where they will reimburse the cadet for college tuition. He doesn't feel that their tests are too hard. Reading comprehension is the responsibility of the Department of Education. Those who slide through school may have problems with reading comprehension. Writing skills require reading comprehension. They have a large General Orders manual which all officers must be able to read and comprehend. They do have people who can pass the test. The police department wants a 25 -year commitment. Regarding stipends for people living on another part of the island such as Kona, the County Council would have to make that determination. It has to be generated by the union. Commissioner Sumja reported that the people in Kohala feel that they are revolving door for people in training. They are ready, willing, and able to help and keep some permanency in their outlying district. Chief Mahuna stated that they are looking for a permanent captain for that district, someone who will stay for longer than two years.