HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 059 2025-08-05 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: August 5, 2025 Re: Comm. No. 408/Res. No. 250-25
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 2:31 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Resolution No. 250-25, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 250-25, transmitted by Acting Assistant Chief of Police Jeremie Evangelista
via Communication No. 408, dated July 17, 2025, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an
intergovernmental agreement with the United States of America, Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI), Honolulu Division, for the Hawaii Financial Crimes Task Force.
Resolution No. 250-25 allows the Hawaii Police Department to assist with identifying and
targeting for prosecution individuals and groups responsible for financial crimes where there is
or may be a federal investigative interest.
Captain Rio Amon -Wilkins was present in the Hilo Chambers to explain that the Hawaii Police
Department has been involved with this task force established a year ago but currently both
officers originally identified to serve on the task force have transferred to do other work. Captain
Amon -Wilkins said that there has been a huge increase in financial crimes, many online or
electronic financial crimes. International money scams are now happening more and more
frequently. He added that once money is transferred overseas there is a very small window of
time to attempt to recoup stolen funds. With this resolution their department will be able to have
a partnership with the FBI which provides them with more resources to stop some of these
crimes before they occur and/or potentially prosecute those who commit these crimes.
Committee Member Ashley Kierkiewicz asked what defines when there may be investigative
interest as referenced in the resolution. Captain Amon -Wilkins said that examples could include
a bank robbery, since they are federally backed, or interstate commerce. Member Kierkiewicz
asked if there was a dollar amount that triggered the partnership with the task force. Captain
Amon -Wilkins said that it is mostly based on the complexity of the situation. He added that if the
crime occurs with perpetrators on our island, then it is handled within the Hawaii Police
Department, but if it has any connection with individuals elsewhere then that is when they want
to work with the FBI. Captain Amon -Wilkins said if they determine early in the case that the
perpetrator is overseas that is when they would contact the FBI right away. Member Kierkiewicz
asked if this agreement was already in effect. Captain Amon -Wilkins said that while the
agreement is currently in effect, they still need to identify two detectives that will fill the
positions recently left vacant.
GOEAC Report No. 59
GOEAC-59 Page 2 August 5, 2025
Committee Member Rebecca Villegas asked if it allows the FBI to access the personal records or
information from community members. Captain Amon -Wilkins said that it hasn't been an issue
in the past. Member Villegas said that under this current federal administration norms around
prior information sharing have changed. She added that personal information could be used to
harm immigrants by this current federal administration and was looking for assurances that this
wouldn't be the case. Captain Amon -Wilkins said that this is a tool that will help get justice for
victims and that their immigrant status doesn't matter to the Hawaii Police Department when
investigating financial crimes. Captain Amon -Wilkins did admit that that personal information
could potentially be accessed by federal agencies through reports or if prosecution proceeds
through the court system.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution No. 250-25, and recommends its adoption.
slm
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALI°I-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND
E TERNAL AFFAIRS
44YXA,--�
JE GIW A, CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 59
ADOPTED: AUG 2 0 2025