2007-12-20 Police Commission Minutes

Home

Hawai'i County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes Special Meeting, December 20, 2007 Page 2 motion. Discussion: Commissioner Kaoiwi stated that he has been with the commission for three years and found that Chair Lassiter has a good working relationship with the other commissioners, the Police Department, and the County. She is inclusive. Chair Lassiter expressed appreciation for their vote of confidence and stated that all nine of them are part of the whole commission. CORRESPONDENCE 07 -25, POLICE DEPARTMENT'S YEAR -END ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2007: (Used in Chief's evaluation.) ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF POLICE CHIEF LAWRENCE MAHUNA Corporation Counsel Ashida stated that the commission does not normally have meetings at the police station because they hear complaints from the public. However, this meeting is not to hear complaints. The commissioners will probably work late into the night, and this location is secure. At the last meeting they briefly discussed the evaluation process and decided to do it at a special meeting rather than tying up the monthly meeting. The Sunshine Law says the board may meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters such as this. It is the board's option to go into executive session or not. However, the law says if the person involved wants an open session, they have to do it in open session. Ms. Pelayo stated that Chief Mahuna requested an executive session for his evaluation. Mr. Ashida further stated that they will review the Chief's goals and accomplishments. They have six topics, and everyone will give comments. Good or bad, it will be recorded. The consensus is that they want to do it in executive session so they all can speak more candidly. Even if the Chief wants to keep his evaluation confidential, there is a great possibility that they may not keep it confidential. (Commissioner Robinson arrived at 6:37 a.m.) John Stewart inquired into how they obtained information for the evaluation. Chair Lassiter stated that all nine members gather information by speaking to people within their district. Commissioner Whittemore stated that they are not tasked to micro - manage. In Kona, he hears things very quickly from the people in the community. He does not see any discontent in Kona. Commissioner Sumja stated that the public seeks him out. If an officer does something, people will talk to him. He then goes to the sergeant and they talk about it. They talk throughout the year. He also goes on ride alongs.