2016-01-22 Police Commission Regular Minutes

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Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 22, 2016 Page 2 suspect fireworks are in plain view, they can do something. Otherwise, they cannot conduct a search. Commissioner Gomes stated that illegal fireworks is a lucrative business that is difficult to enforce. Traffic report: Assistant Chief Kealoha reported having two fatalities in December. No specific traffic trends were identified other than issues with alternative routes on the Queen K highway due to the road construction. AC Tavares stated that traffic grants are utilized for traffic enforcement. AC Kealoha stated that they are seeing impaired driving with a combination of multiple substances such as marijuana and meth. It's not as easy as doing an alcohol test. AC Tavares stated that being trained and certified in drug recognition is intense. They want to have drug recognition experts on duty during all shifts. All officers are trained in alcohol assessment. A person has the right to refuse the drug and/or alcohol test, but the person has to be informed of the consequences. AC Kanehailua reported that for the smaller districts such as Ka'u, showing the numbers required for drug recognition experts could be difficult. Personnel report: Assistant Chief Kanehailua reported having 23 sworn vacancies. They are moving forward with the sergeant's recruitment. The lieutenant's promotion will be filled shortly. They are being proactive by trying to always have an ongoing recruitment. Many of the civilian vacancies were filled. They have an open recruitment for dispatchers. Finance report: AC Kanehailua Marshall reported that they met with County Finance, and they continue to work on the budget. Salaries and wages is tracking just below the budget • Commendations of sworn and civilian employees: Chief Kubojiri reported that since the last meeting they had 7 commendations involving 42 personnel. Other departmental activities: Chief Kubojiri reported that traffic enforcement on Saddle Road continues. They are aware that violations occur at all times during the day and night. They find that motorists will speed until they see a blue light. They hope for volunteer compliance, but it's not happening. They received complaints that the police is trying to generate revenue through the citations, but the money does not go to the police department. They focus in areas where accidents occur. Contributing factors to traffic fatalities have been speeding, inattention, and sleep. Regarding impaired driving, toxicology reports have shown pharmaceutical medications, marijuana, and a combination of both. Kauai implemented their body camera program, but SHOPO has taken Kauai and to the Hawaii Relations Board for this. SHOPO believes they should have a mutual