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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON <br />GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS <br />DATE: July 8, 2025 <br />PLACE: Council Chambers <br />Hilo, Hawaii <br />TIME: 9:00 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Re: Comm. No. 365 <br />Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred <br />Communication No. 365, reports as follows: <br />Communication No. 365, transmitted by Mayor C. Kimo Alameda, dated June 19, 2025, requests the <br />Council's review and confirmation of the nomination of Bernadette C. K. Urban -Smith to the Police <br />Commission. <br />Executive Assistant to the Mayor Micah Alameda was present in the Hilo Chambers to introduce <br />Ms. Urban -Smith, who was also present in the Hilo Chambers, to the Committee. During her <br />introduction, Ms. Urban -Smith stated that she had not formulated an opinion on current affairs with <br />our Police Chief, and that she would be present on Thursday to sit-in at the Police Commission <br />meeting to learn more. <br />Committee Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked if she had any connection to the Ironman <br />group. Ms. Urban -Smith responded no. <br />Committee Member Dennis "Fresh" Onishi asked Ms. Urban -Smith if her children participated in the <br />Hawaii Isle Police Activities League (HI -PAL). Ms. Urban -Smith said they did not, but she was <br />familiar with the program. Member Onishi said all staffing has been eliminated and that sports <br />activities for youth have suffered as a consequence and he wondered about her thoughts on whether <br />staffing could be added back into these programs. Ms. Urban -Smith said that she supports HI -PAL <br />and that staffing across the Department should be prioritized. Ms. Urban -Smith said she believes <br />there are not enough opportunities for children to be active and stay out of trouble. <br />Committee Member Michelle Galimba asked Ms. Urban -Smith to share her thoughts on the Hawaii <br />Police Department's role regarding immigration control. Ms. Urban -Smith said that her father is a <br />transplant from the Philippines and that she doesn't agree with Immigration and Customs <br />Enforcement's methods. <br />Committee Members Rebecca Villegas and Holeka Inaba spoke in favor of the appointment. <br />Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada asked Ms. Urban -Smith to expand upon what her concerns are <br />relating to the community and the Police Department that she had mentioned earlier. Ms. Urban -Smith <br />GOEAC Report No. 51 <br />