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REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY <br /> DATE: March 12, 2019 Re: Comm No. 122/Res No. 65-19 <br /> PLACE: Council Chambers <br /> TIME: 1:32 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawai`i County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawai`i 96720 <br /> Your Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred Resolution No. 65-19, reports as <br /> follows: <br /> Resolution No. 65-19, transmitted by Council Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder via <br /> Communication No. 122, dated February 13, 2019,urges an increase in funding for additional <br /> police presence in the District of Puna to account for population growth. The requested increase <br /> in the ratio of police officers to residents is to reduce risk and response times for police officers <br /> attempting to help those in need of assistance. <br /> There were 18 testifiers. Testimony in support and opposition was provided. <br /> The Puna area, roughly the size of the Island of Oahu,has a total of eight officers. Adding more <br /> officers would help,but it was stressed that efficient training needs to occur as well. Council <br /> Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder stated that he brought the measure to the table at the request of his <br /> constituents,to provide an avenue for discussion of the issue. He further stated that with Puna <br /> consistently growing and most of the district being rural, the Police Department struggles to <br /> efficiently service the area. <br /> Council Member Kierkiewicz expressed appreciation for Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder bringing the <br /> measure forward. She informed members that there is a Hawai`i Revised Statute, Section 334-59, <br /> which pertains to the State Department of Health providing funding for an emergency worker for <br /> each county to assist police departments with emergency mental health concerns. <br /> Council Member Lee Loy communicated the anxiety families of officers go through. She <br /> conveyed the need to have support enough to ensure officers get safely home to their families. <br /> Council Member Chung admires Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder for taking an aggressive <br /> stance to the issue. While he agrees with the intent of the resolution, he stated that this matter is <br /> up to the Administration to address. <br /> PSC Report No.: 7 <br />