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Testimony Presented Before the ;
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Hawaii County Council Committee on C_
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Governmental Operations and External Affairs r
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 9:00 +
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Bonnie Irwin
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Chancellor
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Resolution No. 233-25: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER
INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH
THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI`I AT HILO TO SUPPORT
THEIR CONTINUED COOPERATION WITH THE HAWAI`I
POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE FURTHER
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF COUNTY OF
HAWAI`I POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS
Chair Kagiwada, Vice Chair Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder and Members of the Committee:
Mahalo for the opportunity to submit testimony in support of Resolution 233-25, which
will allow for the execution of an agreement between the County and University of
Hawaii at Hilo (UH Hilo) to further the professional development of County of Hawaii
Police Department (HPD) officers.
Professional development through the Administration of Justice department at UH Hilo
profoundly benefits HPD officers by equipping them with a deeper, more holistic
understanding of the complex social, legal, and ethical dimensions of their work. The
curriculum delves into political, legal, and administrative aspects of the administration of
justice, and explores the interconnectedness of various justice system components.
This academic foundation fosters critical thinking, enabling officers to analyze situations
more comprehensively and develop more nuanced, evidence -based approaches to
problem -solving.
This broader perspective allows officers to move beyond reactive policing to proactive
community engagement, fostering trust and designing interventions that address root
issues, ultimately leading to more effective and sustainable public safety outcomes for
the diverse communities across Hawaii County. By fostering such relationships and a
more profound understanding of the justice system's societal impact, UH Hilo's
Administration of Justice program empowers HPD officers to serve as true guardians of
their communities, promoting safety, fairness, and a deeper sense of justice for all.
We appreciate the opportunity to submit testimony in support of this resolution. -
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