2008-01-18 Police Commission Minutes

Home

Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 18, 2008 Page 3 Chief Mahuna reported that Assistant Chief Tavares will host their "Hawai'i's Most Wanted" television program until promotions are made in the administrative major positions. Chief Mahuna reported that their budget meeting with the county's finance department did not generate many questions. They did request two I.A. criminal detectives. Chair Lassiter inquired into upgrading the commission's secretary's position. Chief Mahuna stated that human resources has to do an audit of the position. If it meets the standards of the higher classification, then she will be reclassified. An audit was done several years ago, and the job description fell into the current classification. Commissioner Sumja stated that coming out of the world of Human Resources, when they do an evaluation, there is an attitude of keeping the position as inexpensive as possible. He requested a review of the position again. He will work with Ms. Pelayo and go over all the particulars of her job. Chief Mahuna reported that the County Council and the Administration are looking into the possibility of incentives for working in certain areas of the island. Commissioner Sumja inquired if it would be helpful for the two commissioners on the Budget and Finance Committee to attend the April 2, 1:30 p.m., County Council meeting, to which Chief Mahuna stated, "Absolutely." Chair Lassiter stated that they would all be there. Vice Chair Whittemore stated that what they have done with the ice issues and marijuana eradication is a model for the other counties. He inquired into justification for asset seizure and how the assets are handled. Chief Mahuna reported that they have strict guidelines for asset forfeiture and referred the matter to Captain Kanehailua. Captain Kanehailua reported forfeiture depends upon the amount that is seized. The Feds have a minimum threshold for them to take the case. State forfeiture does not have a threshold, and the police department gets 25% of the proceeds. Federally, they get 80% of the proceeds. Federally, they have to specify what the funds will be used for, and the Chief and Corporation Counsel sign off on it. The funds have to be earmarked specifically for what was seized or what agency it was seized from. If it was a vice related offense, then it would be used for vice related activities such as training, travel, and equipment. They cannot take it from vice and use it in patrol. The Chief has the final authority on how the funds are disseminated.