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Home My WebLink About2021-07-16 Police Commission Regular MinutesHAWAI`I POLICE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION MINUTES J U LY 16, 2021 WEST HAWAI`I CIVIC CENTER 74-5044 ANE KEOHOKALOLE HWY, KAILUA-KONA, HI CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Vice Chair Schutte called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m. Present: Guy Schutte, Chair Thomas Brown, Commissioner Pudding Lassiter, Commissioner Rick Robinson, Commissioner Donna Springer, Commissioner Anthony Sur, Commissioner Absent: John Bertsch, Chair Rod Quartararo, Commissioner Denby Toci, Commissioner A quorum was present. Also present: Paul Ferreira, Police Chief Kenneth Bugado, Deputy Chief Samuel Jelsma, Assistant Chief Sherry Bird, Major Kenneth Quiocho, Major John Briski, Captain Dalilah Schlueter, Deputy Corporation Counsel Josie Pelayo, Secretary STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS (None.) APPROVAL OF MINUTES June 18, 2021, regular and executive sessions: Commissioner Lassiter motioned to approve both minutes. Commissioner Brown seconded, and it carried unanimously. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT ON DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES • Crime Report: Major Quiocho reported that up through June 30, 2021, there were 5,839 serious crimes. Of those, the Criminal Investigation Units investigated 612 cases. For the month of June, the department received 9,679 calls for service. Crime is down compared to last year, although last year there was lock down. The most prevalent crimes are property type, usually related to drugs. People commit property crimes to buy drugs. The least committed crime is littering and boom box noise. • Traffic Report: Major Sherry Bird reported that FYTD June 21, they had 762 traffic crashes, 17 traffic fatalities, 12 DUI fatalities, and 1,153 DUI arrests. For the month of Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes July 16, 2021 Page 2 June, 5,253 citations were issued: 3,966 moving/regulatory, 313 seatbelt, 8 child restraint, and 966 for speeding. Vice Chair Guy stated that in Waimea, they have been doing a good job with traffic enforcement, especially past Waimea School. Personnel Report: AC Jelsma reported that they have 41 actual sworn vacancies. They have 10 unfilled radio dispatch positions. As of July 15, they had 91.5% sworn positions filled and 83.9% civilian positions filled. The 94t" recruit class started on June 1, 2021, with 32; they now have 28. The 95t" recruit class had 465 applications. 287 took the written test; 146 passed. 146 were summoned for the agility test; 85 passed, 30 failed, 31 did not show. After the Personal History Questionnaire, 69 remain. Finance: Fiscal year expenditures as of 6/30/21: Target 100%; actual 89.41 %. S & W target 100%; actual 97.09%. The FY 21-22 budget is $73,018,183 which includes a 5% overall budget reduction. Commendations: Deputy Chief Bugado reported that since the last commission meeting, they received 9 commendations involving 33 personnel. The Kona Crime Prevention Committee honored Officer Michael Guzman as officer of the month for his work that resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of methamphetamines. Additionally, Officer Ben Nishimoto was recognized by the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii Hilo for saving the lives of officers and others when he and other officers responded to family dispute. The suspect opened fire on the officers and Officer Nishimoto was able to bring the incident to an end. They also received commendation from Fire Chief Todd for their performance in this incident. Other Department Activities: Chief Ferreira reported that the County terminated its contract with Rainbow Rangers. It was his call not to extend the one-year contract. It has been a huge burden on staff. They respond to calls for vicious dogs, dogs needing medical attention, and dogs passing. Finding locations in East Hawaii and Waimea has been a challenge. They are looking at a facility in Volcano and looking for another location. Police is hiring personnel under the 89-day contract. Commissioner Robinson told Chief that he did a good presentation to the County Council on this matter. Chief Ferreira stated that he did a good presentation because he has people to back him up and give him good information. The Council and Administration agrees that the contract for animal control does not belong with the Police Department. The day-to-day of picking up live and dead animals should not be with the police. Historically and in the rest of the state, this has been under the Finance Department. The only portion that falls under police is the enforcement part. Seven new lieutenants were promoted, which opens up 7 sergeant positions. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes July 16, 2021 Page 3 Recess was called at 9:30 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:44 a.m. CHAIR'S REPORT ON MATTERS OF INTEREST TO THE COMMISSION (No report.) (CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC) EXECUTIVE SESSION Commissioner Brown motioned to meet in executive session to consider charges against officers of the police department where matters affecting privacy would be involved, to consider sensitive matters relating to public safety, and may consult with Corporation Counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities pursuant to HRS 92-5 (a) (2) (4) (6) and the Hawaii County Charter Section 13-20 (b). Commissioner Robinson seconded, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 9:45 a.m. Open session reconvened at 10:00 a.m. ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS • Correspondence 21-06A and 21-06B: Request for representation by Corporation Counsel for Detective Levon Stevens and Police Officer Kuilee Dela Cruz in Civil No. 21-00264. Commissioner Robinson motioned that they answer yes to all questions asked by Corporation Counsel and to approve legal representation for both officers. Commissioner Springer seconded, and it carried unanimously. Complaints in the Non -Acceptance Category: Commissioner Brown motioned that they accept the Chair's decision to decline investigation of the complaints pursuant to Rule 6 (c) (7). Commissioner Springer seconded, and it carried unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS Vice Chair Schutte announced that the next meeting is scheduled for August 27, 2021, 9:00 a.m., in the Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi St., Hilo, Hawaii. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:09 a.m. SUBMITTED BY: JOSIE PELAYO, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: GUY SCHUTTE, VICE CHAIR