2007-09-21 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes September 21, 2007 Page 3 counted as a theft and forgery. Major Dawrs will check on the accuracy of the July assault numbers. • Traffic: Major Dawrs reported that traffic accidents are down and traffic fatalities are the same as last year. DUI fatality for the month of August is 0, compared to 3 last year. DUI arrests seem go hand in hand with no license and no insurance. He requested assistance from the commissioners in getting the word out that they have vacancies for school crossing guards. It is a great job for retired people and pays $10 per hour. The TEU vehicles have all been fitted with new equipment. One district goal is to focus on unsafe vehicles — jacked up trucks, wide tires, overly tinted windows, etc. • Personnel: Major Enanoria reported having 11 civilian and 62 sworn vacancies, 27 of which are in recruit classes. With the salary increase in the SHOPO contract, they expect to see higher recruitment numbers. The new cadet program has ten members, 7 males and 3 females and will commence on October 4. He invited the commissioners to attend the opening to welcome the cadets. The Council Chair has put through a resolution requesting $250,000 for cadet tuition reimbursement. In response to Commissioner Sumja's inquiry, he stated that SHOPO does not allow lateral transfers from other police departments. In their recruitment efforts, they try to promote Hawai'i County's island living, good environment, and good lifestyle. • Finance: There was no discussion on the written report. Commissioner Whittemore stated that at the last meeting he asked the commissioners to look at their district's CIPs and direct questions to Accountant Oshiro. • Commendations: Chief Mahuna reported receiving seven commendations involving multiple employees since the last meeting. • Other Departmental Activities: Chief Mahuna explained how they changed their recruitment efforts to target the Y Generation with beautiful sceneries and a good living environment versus the Baby Boomers of the past who were attracted to the excitement of such things as rappelling and breaking down doors. In response to Commissioner Whittemore's inquiry, Chief Mahuna stated that they do exit interviews and the salient reason for leaving is another job, such as TSA. Chief Mahuna reported that the Halehalewai station will be in operation soon. Regarding the Puna station which was built for 12 people and now has about 60, their biggest problem is getting the land and the infrastructure. He believes they will get a new substation before the main station.