2012-08-24 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes August 24, 2012 Page 3 one commonality which is illicit drug use, and the burglaries are being committed to support their habits. • Traffic report by area, category, and trends. AC Kealoha reported that for the month of July, 3,924 citations were issued - 2,779 Moving /Regulatory, 269 seatbelt, 35 child restraint, and 841 speeding. The fatality rate is up, 7 during this period compared to 4 during this time last year. Regarding traffic trends, Hilo's traffic accidents have decreased. The cause of accidents continues to be inattention to driving. Consistent locations are Komohana St., Kanoelehua Ave., and Kilauea Ave. Puna had an overall decrease in major traffic accidents; reasons have not been identified. Kona, had an increase in fatalities. Alcohol and a combination of drugs seem to be a common factor. Motorcycles are also involved. They are trying to educate the public through the media, and have received support from the public. In response to an inquiry about gold dealers, AC Tavares stated that they fall under the same rules that pawnshops must follow. There are gold dealers that come into town for two -day periods and set up shop at hotels. Gold can also be mailed out. They have sent letters to gold dealers informing them that they must comply with the rules. They are doing their best to enforce it, but it is very difficult. Vice Carol Ignacio thanked them for their leadership. Personnel report on vacancies, recruitment, training, promotions, reallocations, severance from service, and work assignments. Assistant Chief Kanehailua reported having 27 sworn vacancies, 33 with the 6 grant - funded positions. A recruit class will begin on September 16. They will start with possibly 26 new recruits and will look at rehiring and intergovernmental hires from Honolulu and Kauai. They have 13 sergeant vacancies. The lieutenant's interviews are being held today. In response to inquiries, AC Kanehailua stated that the bulk of their vacancies come from retirees, not from recruits. The first 18 months is where their bulk attrition is for recruits. He explained the promotional process. The promotions test is administered by the County' Human Resources Department. HR gives them a certified list which they have no control over. For every one vacancy, they have five names plus two. An assessment team forwards a write -up of its review and recommendation to the Chief. They must have backups to support any challenges. They have 22 civilian vacancies, half of which are school crossing guards which have been unfunded. The have had great difficulty filling the crossing guard positions. Yesterday, they got a request from their HR department to up the background screening on the school crossing guards because they work in the