2008-03-14 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes March 14, 2008 Page 3 They actively participate in job fairs throughout the state. Most recruits are local. They have had retired police officers from the mainland who go through the recruit class, and who have said that it's different from the mainland; they do well. Many of those who come from the mainland have lived here for 8 -10 years. They also have interest from military personnel who adapt well to the structure. • Finance: In response to inquiries by the commissioners, Accountant Kay Nishibayashi stated that they are overextended in salaries and wage due to County Finance not budgeting for salary increases. There was a resolution from the County Council to the Mayor requesting additional items for the Police Department. She will forward a copy to the commission when she receives the report. Vice Chair Whittemore asked Ms. Nishibayashi to look into a possible discrepancy in the numbers of the CIP budget. Commissioner Kaoiwi stated that they need to budget for physical maintenance of all the police stations so that the Council knows that they need the money. Right now it's being done by Public Works, and the Police Department is on the bottom of their list. • Commendations: Chief Mahuna stated that he is happy to have been graced with Commissioner Mitchell's presence. Her cookies have been great, and she has represented her district well. Chief Mahuna further reported having 9 commendations: South Hilo 2 involving 4 employees; Puna 1 from Commissioner Mitchell; North Hilo 1 involving 2 employees; Hamakua 1 involving 2 employees; and Kona 3 involving 5 employees. • Commanders' Meeting Minutes of February 19, 2008: No discussion. • Other Departmental Activities: Chief Mahuna reported that the State has been selected for a regional forensics computer lab, and it will be located in Honolulu. Having the lab in Hawai'i would be a boost for the criminal justice system. They have to provide an employee in order to be a member of the executive board. That would not work for them because they are on another island. He hopes they would be allowed to provide money in lieu of an employee. They will have to review their budget and see what accounts have extra funding and pull the money from there. Land in Captain Cook has been secured for the South Kona police station, thanks to Councilwoman Brenda Ford. They expect to have a staff of 50, sworn and civilian. The Taser program is going very well. One cadet will be transitioning to the recruit program. They have processed tuition reimbursement. He sent correspondence to the Governor addressing a bill on legal representation for police officers. If the law passes, Corporation Counsel must send his recommendation to the commission within seven days. The police department must give its investigation to