HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-29 Police Commission Regular MinutesHAWAI`I POLICE COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
APRIL 29, 2022
AUPUNI CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM
101 PAUAHI ST., HILO, HAWAI`I
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Vice Chair Brown called the meeting to order at 9:16 a.m.
Present: Thomas Brown, Vice Chair
Pudding Lassiter, Commissioner
Rod Quartararo, Commissioner
Donna Springer, Commissioner
Denbi Toci, Commissioner
Absent: John Bertsch Chair
Rick Robinson, Commissioner
Anthony Sur, Commissioner
A quorum was present.
Also present: Paul Ferreira, Police Chief
Kenneth Bugado, Deputy Chief
Chad Basque, Assistant Chief
Andrew Burian, Assistant Chief
John Briski, Major
Frank Mohica, Detective
Todd Pataray, Lieutenant
Dakota Frenz, Deputy Corporation Counsel
Charisse Correa, Secretary
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS (None.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• Commissioner Quartararo motioned to approve the regular session minutes of March
18, 2022, Commissioner Toci seconded, and it carried unanimously. Commissioner
Quartararo motioned to approve the executive session minutes of March 18, 2022,
seconded by Commissioner Lassiter, it carried unanimously and the minutes approved.
POLICE CHIEFS REPORT ON DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
• Crime Report: Major Briski reported that through March 31, 2022 there were 4,646
serious crimes. Of those serious crimes, Area I and Area II Criminal Investigation Units
investigated 653. Of those cases, 378 were investigated in Area I and 275 in Area II.
Calls for service: Major Briski reported that for the month of March 2022, the
department received 9,442 calls for service. Fiscal year to date is 85,329 calls for
service.
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Regular Session Minutes
April 29, 2022
Page 2
Vice Chair Brown asked about the increase in assaults. Fiscal year to date, Area I has
549 compared to 412 last year. He asked if this is due to more reporting. Major Briski
explained that it's a combination of things. Everyone in Area I, in Hilo especially has
noticed an increase in homelessness and mental illnesses. This plays a huge factor;
people are unable to get the help they desperately need, as our community lacks the
resources.
• Traffic Report: Assistant Chief Basque reported that as of April 7, 2022 traffic crashes
are at 609, compared to 566 last year. Traffic fatalities are at 26 compared to 12 last
year. The DUI fatality count is at 12 compared to 9 last year. For the month of March,
there were 90 DUI arrests compared to 99 in February. For the Month of March 2022
5,420 citations were issued: 3,612 moving, 409 seat belt, 31 child restraint, and 1,368
were for speeding.
Commissioner Toci asked about the increase in DUI traffic fatalities. She asked if the
department has been increasing checkpoints. Assistant Chief Basque explained that
just recently, COVID mandates were lifted, so they have been more aggressive with
enforcement and DUI checkpoints. He stated that they should be seeing an increase in
DUI arrests.
Commissioner Toci stated going back to the crime report; thefts always seem to be the
highest. She asked if the department has a theft unit. Major Briski stated that they do
have a SEU (Special Enforcement Unit). With the state of the economy, we will
probably be seeing an increase in thefts. There is also an increase in reporting.
Vice Chair Brown asked about the increase in auto thefts. Major Briski stated that Area
I had 37 altogether. When you break it down and look at the MO's, half of those
vehicles were left unlocked or the keys were left within the vehicles. Community
policing has been educating and encouraging people to lock their vehicles. Hilo isn't so
sleepy anymore, people are looking for crimes of opportunity. He also mentioned that
the numbers seem inflated at times, but many cases show that these people know
each other (e.g. an ex -boyfriend or girlfriend).
Commissioner Quartararo asked if they are finding a lot of repeat offenders. Major
Briski stated that there have been many repeat offenders, especially with the court
system due to the recent pandemic. It has been a struggle to keep offenders locked up
or provide them with the help that they need, but this has always been a struggle and
challenge.
• Personnel Report: Assistant Chief Burian reported that through April 25, 2022 sworn
police vacancies are at 62, actual in the field. There are currently 9 recruits in recruit
class, actual positions unfilled is 53. Police Communications Officers actual number of
positions they have is 44, 2 PCO positions, 22 filled, 17 vacant. There's a trainee
starting on May 2, 2022. There is an open recruitment in order to fill the 16 vacant
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Regular Session Minutes
April 29, 2022
Page 3
positions. As of April 25, 2022, the department had filled 430 of 483 positions (89%)
and 123 out of 155 vacant positions (79.4%). The 94t" recruit class completed their field
training, there's 19 of them, they will be on probation until November 30, 2022. This
class started with 32 and they have 19 left. There're 9 recruits in the 95t" recruit class,
they will be in the classroom phase until June 30, 2022. The initial class started with 31,
on December 16, 2021. Recruitment for the 96t" recruit class was in October 2021, 284
applied, 154 took the written exam and 66 passed. 66 summoned for the agility, 50
showed and 37 passed. 23 completed the Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) by
the deadline. Tentative start date for the 96t" recruit class is July 1, 2022. Recruitment
for the 97t" recruit class opened on February to March 2022, written exam is the week
of April 25, 2022, in Hilo. The physical agility is coming up on May 25, 2022. The
department will be transitioning to Fit Force, but it's not happening with the upcoming
agility. Open recruitment for Police Communications Officers was on March 13-22,
there's a written exam. There weren't enough applicants to fill vacancies, so it was
shifted to an open recruitment.
Commissioner Toci asked about all the resignations. Assistant Chief Burian explained
that a lot of them were recruits. A lot of people realize it isn't for them. They lost over 20
recruits in the 95t" class. They decided it wasn't for them for various reasons. She
asked if they conduct exit interviews. Major Burian asked the captain of administration
to start doing the exit interviews for the recruits, just to get a deeper dive into what's
going on. Prior to that, the recruit class sergeants were doing the interviews. Exit
interviews are also conducted for dispatchers.
Commissioner Quartararo asked for the average age of recruits that graduate. Major
Burian stated he doesn't have that and will get that information for him.
Finance: Assistant Chief Burian reported that up to April 30, 2022, their targeted
overall expenditure was 78.92%, and actual was 78.08%. Targeted salaries and wages
expenditure were 79.17%, and actual was 77.08%. Fiscal year budget is just over $73
million, this includes a 5% overall budget reduction.
Commendations: Deputy Chief Bugado reported receiving 9 commendations, in
recognition of outstanding services, involving 13 personnel since the last commission
meeting. On March 21, 2022, the Aloha Exchange Club of East Hawaii honored South
Hilo Patrol Officer Benjamin Nishimoto as its Officer of the Year for 2021. This was for
his bravery and valor in the line of duty during an active domestic dispute. His quick
thinking and courage saved the lives of fellow officers and residents in the house that
he responded to. On April 19, 2022, Officer Reuben Pukahi of the Kona District was
awarded the Bronze Medal of Merit for assisting two swimmers in distress in rough
waters at Honls Beach in Kona. Five civilian surfers who assisted were also honored;
they were given a Certificate of Merit.
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April 29, 2022
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• Other Department Activities: Police Chief Ferreira reported that with the lifting of
COVID restrictions they are going back to a full ceremony for Police Week. On May 16,
2022, at the Hilo Police Station, in front of the memorial at 10:00 a.m. A similar
ceremony will be held at the Kealakehe Police Station, in the parking lot area, on May
18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. The Police Commission is welcomed to attend. They sent an
invitation to the Chair John Bertsch to say a few words. If he is unable to, another
Commissioner is welcomed to.
Going back to the crime report, Chief Ferreira stated to keep in mind that the statistics
for thefts include shoplifting. The numbers seem to be increasing due to the state of the
economy.
Chief Ferreira reported on their budget hearing with the County Council. It's a status
quo budget going into next year with no increases other than utilities. A challenge
they've been facing is with recruitment. When he went before the Council in April 2021,
he reported that they had 57 sworn vacancies. When he went before them a few weeks
ago, he reported 51 sworn vacancies. In one year, they gained six bodies through the
recruitment process. Part of it is because of the retention and the new work force. They
also have 25 officers that will be eligible for retirement. Commissioner Quartararo
inquired with him about viewing the exit interviews. Captain Saludares, in charge of
training did a review of 22 of the recruits that left the 95t" recruit class. Captain
Saludares typed a memorandum explaining what the recruits stated and why they
resigned. The Chief will redact the names and distribute to the commission to review.
Another challenge is with the dispatchers, who are now called Police Communications
Officers, which was a result of ACT 63. Hawaii County reclassified them and gave them
a reallocation upward.
Vice Chair Brown asked about their SR Level. The chief responded SR 14, 17 and 19,
depending on the position. He hopes that they'll look at reallocating them upward even
more because the rate that they're at now still isn't sufficient. They are looking at
making changes to their bargaining unit; they are still with HGEA, bargaining unit 3.
Hopefully this will help with recruitment and retention. The purpose was to recognize
them as first responders and their importance. With the new facility coming up on
Mohouli Street and the changes in pay, they hope to move forward.
Commissioner Springer asked about the legislature looking at introducing a statewide
training center. Chief Ferreira stated that there is a bill that will most likely pass. It's
creating a statewide law enforcement department. Currently the Department of Public
Safety for the state oversees Corrections, Sheriffs, Narcotics Enforcement Division
(NED), all the enforcement agencies for the state. What they propose would separate
the entities. Right now, the director of Public Safety oversees Corrections and the law
enforcement side. This bill will separate it to a Department of Corrections and a
Department of State Law Enforcement. The initial language in the bill included a state
law enforcement -training center for all law enforcement officers across the state.
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Regular Session Minutes
April 29, 2022
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County Law enforcement agencies have their own training facilities. They allowed
DOCARE and DLNR to opt out. Hawaii County Police Departments will still enforce all
laws, it doesn't relieve county police departments from enforcing the laws, all it does is
assign different duties to state law enforcement entities, under one umbrella.
Commissioner Toci asked if the department does recruitment in elementary, middle,
and high schools. Chief Ferreira stated that their community relations section does that,
as well as their SRO's. They try to get individuals in high school, because decisions
they make in high school can affect them for the rest of their lives.
Commissioner Quartararo asked if they provide rental or mortgage assistance
programs for officers. Chief stated they do not, the closest thing they have to any kind
of assistance is the barracks at the old Captain Cook Station.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
• State of Hawaii Police Commission Conference: Chief Ferreira stated that if the
commission needs any assistance with this to let them know.
CHAIR'S REPORT ON MATTERS OF INTEREST TO THE COMMISSION (None
CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence 22-04: In support of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month,
John Tevis expressed concerns regarding the severity and hazards of distracted
drivers. Commissioner Quartararo asked if we have any prohibitions against earbuds.
Chief Ferreira stated no, one of the challenges they see is people believe hands free
driving is holding their phones up with the speakerphone on. Commissioner Quartararo
expressed that earbuds and earphones are extremely distracting if you're the driver
and you can't hear emergency vehicles and everything else going on around you. He
mentioned that it's used in other jurisdictions, we should at least begin a discussion and
dialog regarding this. Chief Ferreira stated they would discuss it with the traffic
commanders.
Recess was called at 10:05 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:20 a.m.
CONSIDERATION AND INVESTIGATION OF COMPLAINTS (Briefly summarized)
Vice Chair Brown announced that there are people in attendance who did not submit
complaints, but wish to speak on items that were submitted. A few complainants request
that they be heard in open session.
• Megan Isaac Magdalene came before the commission. She stated that she is a
member of the Aloha Business Freedom Alliance group and is in support of a number
of complaints that will be heard today regarding the mask mandates. They have been
in communication with the Police Chief to let him know that they weren't seeing officers
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Regular Session Minutes
April 29, 2022
Page 6
prepared to respond correctly to exemptions for mask wearing in businesses. She
stated that exemptions weren't being honored. There were specific provisions that
acknowledged medical exemptions. They let the Chief of Police know that people were
being served trespass notices at businesses. They requested training documentation,
but they haven't received that. It didn't appear that any of the officers responded with
knowledge of exemptions. It's unconstitutional to force people to wear a medical
device. Ms. Magdalene stated that they are coming before the Police Commission to
express concerns, rights weren't being honored and the police weren't trained properly.
The Chief assured them that police officers were correctly trained, but they are
requesting documentation of it. There was no evidence out in the community that the
officers were prepared to handle these calls and had knowledge of the law.
• Alohalani Hope Cermelj came before the commission. She stated that she asked the
Chief of Police for copies of the Oath of Office and asked for officers to receive better
training. She expressed that Shawn Dearing was accosted at Ken's House of
Pancakes, she would back him up in the court of law, and they would win.
HPC 22-31A and HPC 22-31 B: Complainant, Shawn Dearing came before the
commission. He stated that they received a letter from the Chief of Police saying that
officers were trained regarding the proclamations, but that is not what he has
experienced. He expressed that he tried calling the Police Chief for 9 months, he made
about 40-50 phone calls, but didn't get a response. An officer told him that the chief has
an open-door policy, so he should be able to go to the chief's office anytime, but Mr.
Dearing states that this is untrue. He tried about 6 times and was denied, he was told
that the chief was busy or in meetings. On January 19, 2022, he met with Captain
Saludares and explained to him the situation he was facing at businesses. He was told
that it's a civil matter, it's out of their jurisdiction and if businesses choose to trespass
him, he can take it to court. He also tried to deliver information to the prosecutor's office
to start an investigation and was told to contact the Police Chief. On March 2, 2022, Mr.
Dearing had a meeting with Assistant Chief Quiocho to show him all the evidence he
accumulated for 2 years and to seek answers as to why there's so much confusion and
division between the people and law enforcement. Mr. Dearing filmed the interaction
and within 5 minutes, he alleges that he was kicked out of the office. He also has
videos showing him being kicked out of establishments. They attempted to shop at
Island Naturals without a mask and the staff told them to get out and called the police
to trespass them. He was also trespassed from the gym, even though he explained to
them that he has a medical exemption. They called the police on him, police responded
and advised him that businesses can trespass him if they choose to, and stated that
their job as law enforcement officers is to maintain the peace. Mr. Dearing feels that
law enforcement should have told these businesses that medical exemptions should be
respected and accepted.
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April 29, 2022
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HPC 22-24A and HPC 22-2413: Complainant Michelle Melendez came before the
commission. She stated that she has been a fitness and wellness expert since 1996,
has a medical exemption, cannot wear a mask because she has anxiety and gets
stressed out. They attempted to shop at Island Naturals without a mask on, they
explained to the staff that they have medical exemptions. The staff called for police
assistance, she was excited when the police showed up because she thought they
would advise the business that they are to honor medical exemptions. She showed the
officers the letter from the chief and the officer explained to them that this is a private
business; they have the right to refuse service to anyone. Ms. Melendez stated that it's
not a private business, it's a public establishment because they don't require
membership dues. They cannot discriminate against race, creed, or medical/disability
issues. An officer asked the security guard if he wants them to leave and the security
guard stated yes. She feels this is illegal and is discrimination. The letter from the Chief
dated March 2, 2021 states "Hawaii County Police Officers conduct public education to
the community regarding the Mayor and Governor's orders regarding medical
exemptions and no requirement for documentation to prove medical exemptions." Ms.
Melendez states this is not a communist country and they cannot discriminate. She
says she respects the officers, this has been hard on all of us, but this is a free country,
we must honor the law and we have rights. She feels that the department should be
educating the community as stated in the letter.
HPC 22-26: Complainant Deanna Wentworth came before the commission. She stated
that she a resident of lower Puna and has shopped at the Pahoa Island naturals for
many years. She has a medical exemption and it has been hard for her to shop with a
mask on. She states that police officers were very polite and listened to her, but the
officers believed that the store is a private business and they have the right to refuse
service. She tried to explain to the officers that that is incorrect. The officers asked the
manager if they wanted to serve her with a notice of trespass. Ms. Wentworth says she
is now unable to shop at Island Naturals for a year and will have to drive 45 miles to get
the kind of food she wants. Ms. Wentworth alleges that the Chief of Police did not do
his duty because the officers did not appear to be trained on this matter.
Commissioner Quartararo asked how they prove that they have medical exemptions.
Ms. Wentworth explained that businesses are not allowed to ask due to the HIPAA law.
If someone with a disability comes in, businesses aren't supposed to question them.
Medical exemptions must be allowed and they can't ask for proof.
HPC 22-30: Complainant Sandra Roberts came before the commission. She says she
has one complaint, but she will be filing another. She stated that she'll be submitting
the first TRO that her neighbors filed against her on June 29, 2020. There is a total of 3
TRO's that were filed. The petitioner mentioned police reports that she claims were
filed, but Ms. Roberts states that the information in the reports do not line up. Ms.
Roberts spoke to Assistant Chief Quiocho and an officer in Pahoa about the issue. She
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Regular Session Minutes
April 29, 2022
Page 8
requested a false sworn criminal complaint. The officer created case # 20-062640 and
her neighbors were informed that the TRO declaration was falsified. A harassment
case that she did not request was also filed. Her neighbors then filed a
harassment/stalking case against her, case # 20-077102, which the prosecutor
declined on October 13, 2021, due to lack of evidence. Sgt. Talich served a faxed copy
of the TRO on May 12, 2021 and filed an acknowledgment stating he provided a
certified court copy. Ms. Roberts states that this is a false statement. She states that he
is a high school classmate of her neighbor and he's also a licensed attorney, but isn't
active. Ms. Roberts alleges that once the order was served, Captain Amaral worked
with officers and her neighbors to file report # 21-048208, violation of order related to a
basketball hoop attached to a 5 MPH speed limit sign at the corner of her property.
Boys have been trespassing onto her property. There was a second basketball hoop
case on July 8, 2021, case # 21-055745, which was declined. When Ms. Roberts tried
to reach the officer that made the second basketball hoop case, the Pahoa Police
Station initiated a harassment/stalking case against her and Captain Amaral issued an
All -Points Bulletin, this case was also declined on March 29, 2022. Ms. Roberts states
that her neighbor is using the Pahoa Station like its Express Waiters. All she needs to
do is make a call, police go to their house, officers don't establish probable cause or
collect any evidence and she is accused of initiating contact with her neighbors
repeatedly. Ms. Roberts states that she hasn't spoken to her neighbors since August
2019. On March 28, 2022, at 6:51 p.m., her neighbor called the police and alleged a
violation of order (which Ms. Roberts states is another falsified declaration). Police
arrived at 7:09 p.m.; officers went to her neighbor's house then to her house and
started pounding on her door. The next morning, on March 29, 2022, while she was
talking to the Chief's Secretary on the phone, officers pounded on her door and
threatened to tow her vehicle. Ms. Roberts stated that on March 29t", officers were
there to arrest her.
Recess was called at 11:18 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 11:29 a.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Toci motioned to meet in executive session to consider charges against
officers or employees of the police department where matters affecting privacy will be
involved, to work on the evaluation of the Police Chief, 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 Quartararo seconded, and it carried unanimously. Executive session
convened at 11:32 a.m.
Motion to reconvene open session made by Commissioner Lassiter, seconded by
Commissioner Springer, and it carried unanimously. Regular session reconvened at
2:57 p.m.
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Regular Session Minutes
April 29, 2022
Page 9
ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
• Investigation of Complaints
➢ HPC 22-31A: Complainant alleges that business owners, police officers and
government officials mistreated him. He states that the department failed to train
officers accordingly regarding medical exemptions concerning masks.
Commissioner Toci motioned to decline, insufficient evidence to prove the
complaint's allegations, seconded by Commissioner Springer, and it carried
unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-31 B: Complainant alleges that while practicing his 1st amendment right
to address his grievances, he was aggressively kicked out of the office and was
threatened to be arrested. Commissioner Toci motioned for a continuance,
seconded by Commissioner Lassiter, and it carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-24A: Complainant states that she and others are medically exempt from
wearing masks. They attempted to conduct business at an establishment, but
was refused service and the police were called. Complainant alleges that
officers ignored their medical exemptions. Motion to decline made by
Commissioner Toci, insufficient evidence to prove the complaint's allegations,
seconded by Commissioner Lassiter, and it carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-24B: Complainant states that she has been harassed many times trying
to shop without a mask on, as she is medically exempt. She alleges that the
department is not educating the community on such exemptions. Motion to
decine by Commissioner Toci, insufficient evidence to prove the complaint's
allegations, seconded by Commissioner Lassiter, and it carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-26: Complainant alleges that officers aren't trained on proclamations
regarding masks and exemptions. She was refused service at a business and
they attempted to serve her a notice of trespass for not wearing a mask. She
states that she can't wear a mask, due to a medical exemption. Motion to
decline made by Commissioner Lassiter, insufficient evidence to prove the
complaint's allegations, seconded by Commissioner Springer, and it carried
unanimously.
➢ HPC 21-43: Complainant alleged that an officer failed to write correct witness
statements of an incident. Motion to decline made by Commissioner Quartararo,
insufficient evidence to prove the complainant's allegations, seconded by
Commissioner Toci, and it carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 21-44: Complainant is dissatisfied with how officers responded to her calls.
Motion to decline made by Commissioner Quartararo, insufficient evidence to
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Regular Session Minutes
April 29, 2022
Page 10
prove the complaint's allegations, seconded by Commissioner Toci, and it
carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 21-49: Complainant states that there's inaccurate information in her police
report. Commissioner Lassiter motioned that there is sufficient evidence to refer
to the chief, seconded by Commissioner Quartararo, and it carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-16: Complainant states that officers failed to serve a temporary
restraining order in a timely manner. Commissioner Springer motioned for a
continuance, seconded by Commissioner Toci, and it carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 21-50: Complainant states that officers are making false accusations
against her and is under surveillance. Motion to decline by Commissioner Toci,
insufficient evidence to prove the complaint's allegations, seconded by
Commissioner Springer, and it carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-06: Complainant alleges that she was denied her parental rights after
alleged abuse in the household. She states that after investigations, no evidence
of abuse was found. Motion to decline made by Commissioner Toci, insufficient
evidence to prove the complaint's allegations, seconded by Commissioner
Quartararo, and it carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-08: Complainant alleges that while trying to file a violation of order
report, she was told that there is no active TRO and states that the officer was
hostile. Motion to decline made by Commissioner Springer, insufficient evidence
to prove the complaint's allegations, seconded by Commissioner Toci, and it
carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-09: Complainant alleges that while trying to file a police report for a
violation of order, she was told that there is no active TRO. Motion to decline
made by Commissioner Toci, insufficient evidence to prove the complaint's
allegations, seconded by Commissioner Springer, and it carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-22: Complainant states that she was questioned relative to a violation of
a TRO. She claims the officer was argumentative and threatened to arrest her if
she called again. Motion to decline made by Commissioner Toci, insufficient
evidence to prove the complaint's allegations, seconded by Commissioner
Lassiter, and it carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-12: Complainant alleges that officers wrongfully cited him for traffic
violations. Motion to decline made by Commissioner Springer, insufficient
evidence to prove the complaint's allegations, seconded by Commissioner Toci,
and it carried unanimously.
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April 29, 2022
Page 11
➢ HPC 22-11: Complainant alleges that an officer yelled at him, grabbed, and
pushed him off his quad, causing the quad to roll down an embankment and flip
over. Motion made by Commissioner Quartararo to refer to the Chief for
customer service, seconded by Commissioner Lassiter. Commissioner
Quartararo amended his motion. He motioned that there is sufficient evidence to
refer to the chief for further investigation. Seconded by Commissioner Toci, no
discussion, all in favor and it carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-18: Complainant alleges that there has been several instances of
workplace violence, harassment, and intimidation, which ultimately resulted in
her resignation. Commissioner Quartararo motioned that there is sufficient
evidence to refer to the chief for further investigation, seconded by
Commissioner Lassiter, and it carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-23: Complainant alleges that she was arrested for misuse of 911 when
she needed help and called for assistance. She states that while in custody, she
was mistreated. Commissioner Springer motioned that there is sufficient
evidence to refer to the chief, seconded by Commissioner Lassiter, and it carried
unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-25: Complainant alleges that he didn't receive the aid to match his
concerns. Motion made by Commissioner Toci to refer to the chief for procedural
concerns, seconded by Commissioner Lassiter, and it carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-29: Complainant alleges that there's inaccurate statements in her police
report. Commissioner Quartararo motioned that there is sufficient evidence to
refer to the chief for further investigation, seconded by Commissioner Lassiter,
and it carried unanimously.
➢ HPC 22-30: Complainant alleges that she was wrongfully arrested for a violation
of order. Commissioner Toci motioned to decline, insufficient evidence to prove
the complainant's allegations. Seconded by Commissioner Springer and it
carried unanimously.
➢ Complaints in the non -acceptance category:
o HPC 22-15: Commissioner Toci motioned to accept the Chair's decision
to decline investigation due to the 90-day rule. Commissioner Lassiter
seconded, and it carried unanimously.
o HPC 22-17: Commissioner Springer motioned to accept the Chair's
decision to decline investigation due to the 90-day rule. Commissioner
Toci seconded, and it carried unanimously.
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Regular Session Minutes
April 29, 2022
Page 12
o HPC 22-10 Commissioner Springer moved to accept the Chair's decision
of non -acceptance; the complaint does not allege an element of
misconduct. Commissioner Lassiter seconded, and it carried
unanimously.
o HPC 21-51: Motion to reject the Chair's decision of non -acceptance.
Complaint was received on the 91st day, but dated within the 90 days.
Motion made by Commissioner Quartararo to consider and investigate
the complaint, seconded by Commissioner Lassiter, and it carried
unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Vice Chair Brown announced that the next meeting is scheduled for May 20, 2022, at 9:00
a.m., in the West Hawaii Civic Center, Building G Conference Room, 74-5044 Ane
Keohokalole Highway, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Toci motioned to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Lassiter, and it
carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 4:02 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY: CHARISSE CORREA, SECRETARY
APPROVED BY: JOHN BERTSCH, CHAIR