2008-07-18 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes July 18, 2008 Page 3 Commissioner Morimoto stated that the speed boards in Kona have helped a lot. He asked if the department could work collaboratively with the newspapers to let the public know that they are out there enforcing speed limits, and that accidents are related to speeding and DUI. AC Pacheco stated that they will work with Traffic Services. Personnel: AC Ferreira reported that they have 7 civilian and 47 sworn vacancies, 20 of which are in the new recruit class. Two cadets are transitioning into the recruit class. They currently have 101 applicants who will participate in the upcoming agility test. Normally one -third of the applicants do not pass the agility test, and a number do not show up. They have a lot of officers who are eligible for retirement, but they have not had any notices. Based on attrition, they usually lose about ten officers a year. • Finance: AC Ferreira reported that they are working on their 2008 -09 budget. The council members have been very supportive of the police department. It doesn't hurt for the commissioners to talk to their council members about giving money to their district, Commissioner Kaoiwi pointed out that dispatch has a lot of overtime, and that they must have a lot of sick leave. AC Ferreira stated that dispatch is a high stress position. They have held meetings with HGEA to find ways to make the job easier. Vice Chair Whittemore commended the department for coming in under their budget. He expressed concern about losing grant monies, particular the Pahoa Weed and Seed and the Young Driver's DUI. AC Ferreira stated that grant monies do not go along with the county's fiscal year, and that they will not lose the funds. They have to go before the council for every new grant that they receive. Commissioner Kaoiwi asked what would happen now that the county did not accept the marijuana eradication grant. AC Ferreira stated that they will still continue enforcement. Commissioner Behenna stated that he went through dispatch. The place is not set up for stress relief. He asked to see their exit interview form. AC Ferreira stated that during the exit interview, the supervisor sits in and issues are directed to HR. AC Ferreira reported that the Pahoa substation was included in the bond float. It is in the design stage and will be right next to the fire station. They are using state funds, so the road needs to meet state standards. • Commendations: Deputy Chief Kubojiri reported receiving seven commendations since the last meeting. • Other Departmental Activities: Deputy Chief Kubojiri stated that they brought down two new marked vehicles, a Crown Victoria and Ford Expedition, for the commissioners to look at.