2008-06-20 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes June 20, 2008 Page 3 commission was too hard for her, maybe she should step back. She also told her that being absent for ten months is too long. Commissioner Politano Steckel stated that she will try to be at the next meeting in Hilo, and if it's too much, she will resign. Commissioner Sumja stated that the Public Relations committee is very important. CHIEF'S REPORT Including: • Crime: Assistant Chief Tavares stated that both the crime and traffic reports have been revised and will be re- distributed. In the past month there was a robbery in South Kohala where an unidentified man with a handgun entered the pharmacy and demanded drugs. That and a home invasion in South Kohala are being investigated by CIS detectives. On June 14 a female hitchhiker was picked up and taken to an undisclosed area in Kurtistown where she was sexually assaulted. With the help of their "Hawai'i Most Wanted" program, 21 cases have been cleared. AC Tavares reported that they have been having a lot of complaints about intoxicated individuals getting into fights in the Coconut Grove Area. They had several meetings with involved members and agencies, including the Police Department, Department of Liquor, owners of the complex, and various establishments. At first everyone thought it was just a police problem. However, they have gotten cooperation and now realize that everyone involved is a part of the solution. Vice Chair Whittemore stated that this was brought to his attention in one of his nonprofit meetings when someone asked him why the police wasn't doing anything. So, he got collaborative meetings with the Department of Liquor Control, businesses, security, and police. Many of the business felt that once their customers were out the door, it wasn't their problem. They had a total of 90 calls for 20 incidents, mostly fights. Part of the problem is people getting inebriated in the parking lot. Janice Pakele, Director of Liquor Control, told the businesses that if they don't take ownership to resolving the problem, they could have their hours cut. Commissioner Behenna stated that this seems to have the potential of being a success story of solutions coming out of group relations. This would make a good press release. AC Tavares stated that if they think its news worthy, they make a media release and put it on their website. However, it's the editor who decides what gets in the paper. Corporation Counsel Ashida stated that the newspaper's editor decides what's newsworthy. In the past, public relations meant having good relations with the community. Public information is the proper medium for correct information to be made available. There is nothing that says the commission couldn't do that. AC Tavares stated that Community Policing Officers are also involved in this, and it is working in every district. Commissioner Sumja stated that their COP in Kohala works great. Commissioners Lassiter and Behenna will work together on the Public Relations Committee which will also work as a Public Information Committee.