HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP GOEAC 151 2026-08-04 2024-2026REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
DATE: August 4, 2026
PLACE: Council Chambers
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 12:00 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Re: Comm. No. 980/Res. No. 614-26
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs, to which was referred
Resolution No. 614-26, reports as follows:
Resolution No. 614-26, transmitted by Police Chief Reed K. Mahuna, via Communication
No. 980, dated July 1, 2026, authorizes the Mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with
the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, to receive a grant to purchase
two handheld mass spectrometers for the Hawaii Police Department.
The handheld mass spectrometers will be used to identify low concentrations or trace amounts of
illicit substances, specifically fentanyl, for law enforcement purposes.
Lieutenant Kelly Moniz from the Hawaii Police Department's Vice Division was available in the
Kona Chambers for questions. Lt. Moniz began by explaining how the mass spectrometers work
and how these would help them test for fentanyl, especially when the crime lab and quick results
are not available.
Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder asked if they would be taking the equipment into the field or using
them in the station. Lt. Moniz said it could be used in either setting and explained that the
substances currently get tested in Hilo, but that this new equipment will help for cases elsewhere
so that they don't have to be transported to Hilo within their limited time window of 48 hours to
bring forth charges.
Your Committee on Governmental Operations and External Affairs is in accord with the purpose
and intent of Resolution No. 614-26, 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
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
JE6K i5rGIVADA, CHAIR
GOEAC REPORT NO.: 151
ADOPTED:. SFR fl 2 202