2008-11-20 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes November 20, 2008 Page 3 for the Keaau Police Station. That station is really crowded. They have always had a problem with acquiring the property for that station. Hopefully, the construction of the Pahoa substation will alleviate some of the problems. The funds have already been appropriate. Regarding the South Kona police station, they are in the process of submitting to Public Works the type of facility they want. They want something that will last more than 10 years. On Monday, they started improvement work on the current Captain Cook station. Deputy Chief Kubojiri stated that they are looking at the Captain Cook substation to eventually becoming a full station. Assistant Chief Ferreira stated that although they have a status quo budget, the County does allow for increases in overtime. The County knows that whenever there is a natural disaster, the numbers go up. • Commendations: Chief Mahuna reported having 15 commendations in the past month -- 10 in South Hilo, 1 in Puna, 2 in North Hilo, 1 in South Kohala, and 1 in Ka'u. Other Departmental Activities: Chief Mahuna reported that through a multi -year grant, they acquired two crime scene technicians. They will obtain evidence, photographs, etc., and alleviate the detectives' crime scene work. The grant is just seed money, and they hope the County will make the positions a part of their future budget. AC Ferreira stated that the minimum requirement for the position is training in chemistry. They will be sent to professional training on the mainland. Chief Mahuna stated that they are selecting a new side arm of a larger caliber that moves at a slower rate. This would prevent ricochets and inadvertent stray shots. EXECUTIVE SESSION (closed to the public) Commissioner Sumja moved to meet in executive session to consider discipline and charges against officers or employees of the Hawaii County Police Department, to consider the hire of an employee where consideration of matters affecting privacy would be involved, and to consult with Corporation Counsel on questions and issues that pertain to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities pursuant to HRS 92 -5 (2) and Hawaii County Charter Section 13 -20 (b). Vice Chair Whittemore seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10:25 a.m. Regular session reconvened at 2:00 p.m., at which time Chair Lassiter announced that they would recess the monthly meeting and then have another meeting to take public testimonies on the Chief of Police candidates. They will then reconvene the monthly meeting at 2:30 p.m. Regular session reconvened at 2:50 p.m.