HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP PSC 007 2019/03/12 2018-2020 REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY
DATE: March 12, 2019 Re: Comm No. 122/Res No. 65-19
PLACE: Council Chambers
TIME: 1:32 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawai`i County Council
Hilo, Hawai`i 96720
Your Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred Resolution No. 65-19, reports as
follows:
Resolution No. 65-19, transmitted by Council Member Matt Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder via
Communication No. 122, dated February 13, 2019,urges an increase in funding for additional
police presence in the District of Puna to account for population growth. The requested increase
in the ratio of police officers to residents is to reduce risk and response times for police officers
attempting to help those in need of assistance.
There were 18 testifiers. Testimony in support and opposition was provided.
The Puna area, roughly the size of the Island of Oahu,has a total of eight officers. Adding more
officers would help,but it was stressed that efficient training needs to occur as well. Council
Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder stated that he brought the measure to the table at the request of his
constituents,to provide an avenue for discussion of the issue. He further stated that with Puna
consistently growing and most of the district being rural, the Police Department struggles to
efficiently service the area.
Council Member Kierkiewicz expressed appreciation for Mr. Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder bringing the
measure forward. She informed members that there is a Hawai`i Revised Statute, Section 334-59,
which pertains to the State Department of Health providing funding for an emergency worker for
each county to assist police departments with emergency mental health concerns.
Council Member Lee Loy communicated the anxiety families of officers go through. She
conveyed the need to have support enough to ensure officers get safely home to their families.
Council Member Chung admires Council Member Kaneali`i-Kleinfelder for taking an aggressive
stance to the issue. While he agrees with the intent of the resolution, he stated that this matter is
up to the Administration to address.
PSC Report No.: 7
PSC-7 Page 2 March 12,2019
Your Committee on Public Safety is in accord with the purpose and intent of Resolution 65-19,
and recommends its adoption.
(1w)
AYES NOES ABS EX Respectfully submitted,
CHUNG X
DAVID X COMMITTEE ON PUBLI ' • TY
EOFF X
KANEALI`1-KLEINFELDER X
KIERKIEWICZ X
LEE LOY X �!i
POINDEXTER x REBECC• VILLEGAS, CHAIR
RICHARDS X PSC REPORT NO. 7
VILLEGAS X ADOPTED: _ MAR 2 8 2019