2013-12-20 Police Commission Minutes

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Hawai‘i Police Commission Regular Session Minutes December 20, 2013 Page 2 would have to review the data regarding the terminations. There is a link on their web page to this information. The motion to accept and file carried unanimously. POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT ON DEPARTMENTAL ACTIVITIES Including, but not limited to: Crime report by area, category, and trends. Captain Tavares reported that they continue to see a number of burglaries in the Kaumana and Waiakea area. Their Special Enforcement Unit has identified two different burglary rings. Most of these criminals are looking for prescription pills and ways to pay for their ice addiction. In Kona they have been having a problem with juveniles drinking in public parks and the homeless sleeping in vehicles. They are addressing these issues with an increase presence, including bike patrol. Commissioner Bertsch asked what constituted a burglary ring. AC Tavares stated that a burglary ring is a committed by groups of individuals, maybe three at a time. They enter a house in an organized effort. A couple could enter the house and other individuals would take the items to a pawn shop. Burglaries in Waiakea and Kaumana usually happen during the day where houses next to each other are unattended and access in and out is easy. Commissioner Bertsch asked about arresting people for being homeless. AC Kealoha stated that when people sleep in their cars, they try to create an environment that is not conducive for them. They have made arrests for drugs and issued some citations. Many have arrest warrants. In a previous meeting, he mentioned that if you Google Kailua-Kona, it shows that Kona is a good place to come to if you are homeless. Homelessness is a social issue. Commissioner Gray asked about procedures when people call in about squatters. Assistant Chief Tavares stated that squatters are a big problem in the Puna District. Even though neighbors call in, oftentimes the home ownership is in limbo, such as in foreclosures. It is difficult to determine who will come to court as the owner. The owner of the house could be Bank of America. Sometimes the squatters take better care of the house than the previous owner, and the bank is happy to have them there. The police cannot just go in and ask for proof of ownership. They are working with the Community Policing Officers, the Prosecutor, and Councilman Ilagan. Traffic report by area, category, and trends. Assistant Chief Kealoha reported that the fatality count is down. Trends show that Hilo has been having major accidents in intersections during peak traffic. They continue with speed enforcement in the Glenwood areas. South Kohala had two fatalities involving tractor trailers, one in Kawaihae and one on Saddle road. Both appeared to involve brake issues. They are working with the Department of Transportation on how they can increase safety. Runaway truck ramps are a consideration, but they require funds.