2009-05-15 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes May 15, 2009 Page 4 Chair Whittemore stated that in reviewing the rules and policies, they want to find comparables but not restrict themselves to in- state. For those who have been to the nationals, perhaps there are clear apple to apple comparatives. Commissioner Sumja stated that even though San Jose is a much larger area, there are other areas within their criteria that could work for them. Each group is unique, and they have ways of handling things that are effective. To not look at them would be a mistake. Commissioner Morimoto pointed out the article regarding truthfulness in the Blues Quarterly dated May 5, 2009. He stated that it ties in with what the commission, Internal Affairs, and the Police Department does. He encouraged everyone to read the article. CHIEF'S REPORT Including: • Crime: Assistant Chief Tavares summarized the written report. The Ka'u murder case has been completed, charged, and closed. Four detectives have been assigned to work on burglaries in Puna • Traffic: Assistant Chief Pacheco reported that accidents, fatalities, and DUI arrests were down. They are trying to address parking violations in the Kanoelehua Avenue area down to Kings Landing. Parking spills onto the tsunami exit routes. They have been giving courtesy warnings and will start giving citations this week end. A lot of ideas are being brought up including acquiring land for parking. They are also looking at bus pickup and drop off. The danger here is a person, a child, coming out from between cars. The problem is more so on weekends and holidays. • Personnel: Assistant Chief Kanehailua reported having 16 sworn and 17 civilian vacancies, 9 of which are school crossing guards. They have posted positions for an Administrative Major and Training Captain. They have about 20 officers who are in the military, 6 of whom have been deployed. This significantly affects the smaller districts. Kona will be getting 9 recruits. They are continuing towards full accreditation with a projected date of 2010. Chair Whittemore asked that they make a presentation to the commission on accreditation at a meeting that doesn't have a very long agenda. • Finance: Assistant Chief Kanehailua summarized the written report. County Administration submitted the final budget to the Council. They expect approval by the end of June. Their $52 million budget includes the mandated reduction. • Commendations: Chief Kubojiri reported receiving 9 commendations since the last meeting. • Other Departmental Activities: Chief Kubojiri reported that Commissioner Sumja rallied members of the community to attend a talk story session after the commander's meeting. It was very informal and meant to answer questions or address concerns members of the public had that they oftentimes don't come out and ask. Commissioner Sumja stated that