2008-12-19 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes December 19, 2008 Page 3 the department. They need to take care of their structures and not let it deteriorate. When the buildings deteriorate, it gives the Chief and the department a bad image. Ms. Oshiro stated that there was a meeting to prioritize projects for the federal stimulus package. Vice Whittemore stated that the communication system is one of the projects under consideration. • Commendations: Chief Mahuna reported that they had 13 commendations in the past month: South Hilo 4, Puna 2, Ka'u 1, South Kohala 2, North Kohala 1, and Kona 3. • Other Departmental Activities: Chief Mahuna reported that this is his last meeting. It has been his pleasure serving as Chief, and he thanked the commission. He is sure his replacement will visualize all the core values of the department. Chief Mahuna stated that regarding building repairs, they have been very consistent in trying to get the county government to come up with a plan for systematic inspections and the actual doing of the construction to mitigate some areas of concern. They are cognizant that a leaking room may have a litany of other problems that impact many areas. There is an obvious difference between the State's Waimea courthouse, which has systematic repairs, and the County's Waimea police station. He agrees with Commissioner Kaoiwi that something needs to be done. Some of their CIP projects are extremely expensive. Chief Mahuna further stated that he is leaving the department almost fully staffed. They are running a police department a cut above the rest, and he knows this because there are officers coming in from other police departments. They are getting transfers from the whole state. They know that when it comes to this police department, they will be treated fairly and with integrity. They expect to be CALEA accredited in 1'/ to 2 years. This will mean that the police department will be in compliance with over 300 standards. NEW BUSINESS Selection of Chair and Vice Chair for 2009: Commissioner Politano Steckel moved to nominate Tom Whittemore as Chair and Louis Kaoiwi as Vice Chair for 2009. Commissioner Morimoto seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Vice Chair Whittemore thanked the commissioners for their vote of confidence. INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS Statements on Complaints: ADAM LEHMANN (COMPLAINT HPC 08 -30) stated that regarding Chief Mahuna's comments about the lowest enforcement of marijuana, he would have expected more from a Police Chief to say if you're pro marijuana, you're pro terrorist. He is the head and should set an example. It hurts him to know that this is the law enforcement for the whole