2009-07-17 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii County Police Commission Regular Session Minutes July 17, 2009 Page 4 Chief Kubojiri reported that their main objective for giving out citations, is to lower the fatality rate. They look at areas of heavy accidents and the causation factors to lower the rate. All monies from citations go to the State, not the County. Chief Kubojiri reported that they hope to put in a formal CALEA application next year. Basically, it's national standards for the police department and its employees. Standards are not for the police commission. Information can be obtained from the CALEA website. Recess was called at 10:30 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:39 a.m. INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS STATEMENTS ON COMPLAINTS: None (THIS SECTION OF THE MEETING IS CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC) EXECUTIVE SESSION: Commissioner Behenna moved to meet in executive session to consider discipline and charges against officers or employees of the Hawaii County Police Department where consideration of matters affecting privacy will 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). Commissioner Sumja seconded, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10:40 a.m. Regular session reconvened at 2:14 p.m. ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS Complaint HPC 09 -16: Complainant alleged that his traffic stop and arrest for DUI was a warrant- less stop. Commissioner Morimoto moved that there was insufficient evidence to prove the complainant's allegations. Commissioner Mende seconded, and it carried unanimously. Complaint HPC 09 -19: Complainant made a report of a TRO violation. She alleged that the responding officer lacked the professionalism to be a police officer. Commissioner Behenna moved that there was sufficient evidence to prove the complainant's allegations. Commissioner Morimoto seconded, and it carried unanimously. Complaint HPC 09 -23: (Request for Reconsideration) Complainant alleged that during her arrest, an officer used excessive and unnecessary force. At the previous meeting, the commission found insufficient evidence to prove the complainant's allegations. The complainant requests a reconsideration of the commission's decision. No motion was made. The commission's previous decision will stand. Complaint HPC 09 -24: Complainant was involved in a traffic stop. He alleged that he was held at gunpoint, handcuffed, and made to lay face on the road while being interrogated. His wife and children watched the ordeal. The officers were later informed that they had the wrong guy, and he was released. Commissioner Behenna moved to defer for a positive identification of the officers involved and to encourage the officers to attend the meeting. Commissioner Sumja seconded, and it carried unanimously..