2015-06-26 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes June 26, 2015 Page 3 in session. A new recruitment for the 84th class is in process. It takes 9 months to train recruits from start to when they hit the road. Civilian vacancies are highest in dispatch. Seven dispatchers are now in training, and they hope to have them on board within the next 2-3 months. School crossing guard positions are difficult to fill because they work only two hours a day. Finance Report: Deputy Chief Ferreira reported that expenditures are at 95.8% of the budget. Residuals go back to the county's general fund. In response to an inquiry, he stated that the Mauna Kea controversy will affect their budget. Public Safety is in their jurisdiction no matter where it occurs. Commendations of Sworn and Civilian Employees: Chief Kubojiri reported having 15 commendations since the last commission meeting - Hilo 10, Puna 2, Hamakua 1, and Kona 2. Other Departmental Activities: Chief Kubojiri reported on the Mauna Kea controversy. UH and TMT have their own security. Meetings were held with Mauna Kea Management, UH, and DLNR. Everybody deferred to the County for enforcement. There are many safety concerns. During the initial arrest by the State, people were brought to the Hilo police station. No one has law enforcement authority except the police. Expenses are coming out of the County's budget. The Mayor understands this is long term issue, and it will not be resolved soon. He assured them that they will have money to handle the overtime. This is a highly contentious issue, politically and emotionally, for DLNR and police personnel. The high altitude did affect personnel, so they did about three-hour rotations. The Fire Department set up life support for everyone up there. They also reached out to PTA for assistance. This past Wednesday, they had about 400 protesters on the mountain. He gives kudos to Captain Sherlock of South Hilo Patrol for moving his personnel around. Captain Sherlock has a great relationship with the protesters. Chief reported that recidivism is an issue. People responsible for auto thefts are arrested and are back out in a year. Prisons are overcrowded, and non-violent offenders are let out. It happens over and over again. When they see spikes in certain crimes, detectives check to see who was let out of prison. When these individuals are arrested, crime drops. Chief reported that for years they have received complaints about a man who parks his truck at Lincoln Park with signs and banners that are offensive to people. This past week he had a picture of a dismembered fetus. This man has first amendment rights. Chief reported that they started looking at body -worn cameras before the Ferguson incident. They tested cameras from Taser and are now testing another camera. Chief reported that next week a joint terrorism task force will be training officers in Kona and Hilo.