HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 132 2026-05-19 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: May 19, 2026
PLACE: Council Chambers
Hilo, Hawaii
TIME: 9:00 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 872/Res. No. 556-26
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Resolution No. 556-26, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 556-26, transmitted by Deputy Police Chief Sherry D. Bird, via Communication
No. 872, dated April 22, 2026, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement
with the United States Postal Inspection Service for Postal Inspector Task Force Officers. This
resolution allows certain Hawaii Police Department officers to be designated as Postal Inspector
Task Force Officers, with the authority to investigate mail -related criminal matters.
Captain Edwin A. Buyten was present in the Kona Chambers to answer questions on this
resolution. He said it is important to be able to collaborate with the Postal Inspection Service on
matters relating to stopping drugs, firearms, human trafficking and exploitation of children.
Committee Member James E. Hustace asked if the County already had task force officers within
the police department. Captain Buyten said they do not yet have those officers and this agreement
has been three years in the making. Member Hustace questioned if the reimbursements and
stipends mentioned in the agreement would be coming from the Postal Service. Captain Buyten
said yes.
Committee Chair Jenn Kagiwada mentioned that a constituent asked if this would impact
immigrant rights and she did due diligence with contacts within the immigrant rights community
and they did not have any concerns regarding this agreement.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution No. 556-26, and recommends its adoption.
slm
AYES
NOES
ABS
EX
GALIMBA
X
HUSTACE
X
INABA
X
KAGIWADA
X
KANEALPI-KLEINFELDER
X
KIERKIEWICZ
X
KIMBALL
X
ONISHI
X
VILLEGAS
X
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL
OPERATIONS AND
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
JENN KAGIWADA, CHAIR+
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 132
ADOPTED: JUN D 3 2026