2015-12-18 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes December 18, 2015 Page 2 COMMUNICATIONS (For discussion and/or action.) • No. 15-07: Margaret Sevilla Shim requests to revisit this communication that she spoke about at the commission's meeting on June 26, 2015. She feels the police have been inefficient since 2011 in addressing this issue of a nuisance neighbor in Puna. Assistant Chief Tavares reported that they have spoken to her. In 2015, they made 20 contacts with her. Her concerns were investigated, and it has been determined that they took appropriate actions. It seems to be a community relations issue. (Ms. Shim was not present.) MARGARET SEVILLA SHIM came before the commission shortly thereafter. She stated that she and her son have not been heard. Mr. Lester Oshiro has tried to help her with this ordeal, but it's not his job. They get turned away with every issue. They need a clarifier to help her communicate. The police and prosecutors have done nothing. She has asked for help with her disability. The disability is not the problem. The problem is her next door neighbor. There is so much to the case and nobody is doing anything. She needs somebody to help her. Ms. Teri Spinola- Campbell knows of her situation. Her son set himself on fire. He needed a re- voicer. They need help. The commission needs to contract someone. Commissioner Morioka told Ms. Shim that it her responsibility to inform others of her disability. Vice Chair Bertsch stated that they want to help her, but they should postpone it until she has assistance. Ms. Pelayo told Ms. Shim that Ms. Spinola- Campbell called her twice this week, but she did not return her call. Ms. Shim statec that she will go over to Ms. Spinola-Campbell's office right after this meeting. (Shim exited.) Commissioner Gomes requested clarification from corporation counsel on Ms. Shim's request. Deputy Corporation Counsel Danny Patel stated that under ADA, they are required to provide assistance. She needs assistance filling out the form. She mentioned Charmaine Kaipo who can also help her. Vice Chair Bertsch asked about people with a disability during incidents such as traffic stops. Deputy Chief Ferreira stated that officers are trained, and they need to use their best judgment at that time. Major Kanehailua questioned why they would have to provide the re-voicer. People with disabilities have their own service animals. Deputy Chief Ferreira stated that after hearing her, they will go back to the department and discuss it further. They will speak to Ms. Spinola-Campbell. Vice Chair Bertsch stated that they are obligated to assist disabled individuals when they come before the commission. He doesn't know how that would apply outside of the meeting.