HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-21 Police Commission Regular MinutesHAWAII POLICE COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
APRIL 21, 2023
COUNTY BUILDING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, SUITE 1401
25 AUPUNI ST., HILO, HAWAII
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Robinson called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m.
Present: Rick Robinson, Chair
Denby Toci, Vice Chair
Pudding Lassiter, Commissioner
Travis Ing, Commissioner
Rod Quartararo, Commissioner
Anthony Sur, Commissioner
Absent: Dylan Andrion, Commissioner
John Bertsch, Commissioner
Josephine Pelayo, Commissioner
A quorum was present.
Also present: Benjamin Moszkowicz, Police Chief
Chad Basque, Assistant Chief
Andrew Burian, Assistant Chief
Kenneth Quiocho, Assistant Chief
Reed Mahuna, Major
Frank Mohica, Detective
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 and executive session
minutes for March 17, 2023, seconded by Commissioner Lassiter. Discussion: Vice
Chair Toci wanted to know the status of the Salary Commission and how the Police
Commission was moving forward. DCC Frenz explained they currently have three
vacancies and until all districts are filled, she isn't comfortable scheduling meetings.
They are tentatively holding June 81", June 9t", and two dates in July of 2023 for
meetings, depending on if they have full district representation. Vice Chair Toci asked
how proactive the commission is. DCC Frenz stated the salary commission, by County
Charter, is required to confer with the appointing agencies for all directors and
department heads. Chair Robinson advised the commission that Hawaii County's
Salary Commission differs from Honolulu's. The salaries that they recommend do not
have to go before County Council for approval. DCC Frenz stated that is correct and
under the County Charter, the Salary Commission with a 2/3rd vote for any increase or
decrease becomes final.
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Regular Session Minutes
April 21, 2023
Page 2
No further discussion, it carried unanimously, and the minutes were approved.
POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT ON DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES
Chief Moszkowicz stated normally, the Area I and Area II Assistant Chiefs provide the
commission with the crime and traffic reports. Moving forward, when in Hilo, the Area I
Major will give the report, and when in Kona, the Area II Major will provide the report.
Eventually the admin Major will provide the report with the admin AC. This will provide
them with a little more experience and professional development.
Crime Report: Major Mahuna reported through March 28, 2023, there were 4,385
serious crimes. The Area I and Area II Criminal Investigation units investigated 558 of
those cases: 319 in Area I and 239 in Area II.
Calls for Service: Major Mahuna reported that in March 2023, the department received
11,393 calls for service, bringing the total to 92,960 for the fiscal year to date.
Chair Robinson referred to the crime report and asked if there are more thieves in West
Hawaii. Major Mahuna stated there were 204 thefts reported in Area I and 97 in Area II.
Traditionally Area I has more thefts than Area II. Puna and Hilo historically account for
a good majority of thefts that occur on the island. Chair Robinson wanted to know the
population difference between Area I and Area II. Major Mahuna advised that he didn't
have that information and would have to get back to him on that.
Traffic Report: Assistant Chief Basque reported that as of April 11, 2023, for fiscal year
22-23, traffic crashes are at 690, compared to 609 last year. Traffic fatalities are at 20
compared to 26 last year. The DUI fatality count is at 8, compared to 17 last year. DUI
arrests are at 728, compared to 772 last year. DUI arrests for the month of March 2023
are 98, compared to 66 in February. For the month of March 2023, a total of 5,107
citations were issued: 3,569 for moving/regulatory, 372 for seat belts, 12 for child
restraint, and 1,154 for speeding.
Vice Chair Toci wanted to know when the department sets up roadblocks and other
traffic projects. AC Basque explained that a lot of DUI roadblocks are grant funded.
They also conduct DUI during regular shifts if they see someone driving erratically or
someone reports it. Traffic crashes and casualties also account for DUI counts when
someone is impaired.
Commissioner Quartararo stated speed limits aren't posted as often as they should be.
He wanted to know if there's a standard on how often speed limit signs are posted. AC
Basque explained that the Police Department doesn't determine when and where
speed limit signs are posted. Commissioner Quartararo further expressed his concerns
regarding traffic signage. He feels there needs to be meetings and dialogues between
HPD, the Department of Transportation, and Public Works.
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Regular Session Minutes
April 21, 2023
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Vice Chair Toci wanted to know how the department's relationship is with the
prosecutor's office to ensure that cases go through for prosecution. Major Mahuna
stated the department has a good relationship with the prosecutor's office. He further
stated that the department has a policy, they want all cases disposed of in the most
expeditious manner possible, but within 90 days. If there's a theft reported, a patrol
officer will take the initial report. If it's a felony amount or if it's something that needs to
be routed to detectives, it's routed to the Criminal Investigation Section, which
investigates the case, and routes it to the prosecutor's office.
Chair Robinson referred to the traffic report and stated he sees South Hilo, but he
doesn't see North Hilo. There's also Kona, but there's no distinction between North and
South Kona. AC Basque explained that several years ago, the department merged
North Hilo and Hamakua together as one district. As far as Kona, they don't separate
North and South Kona. They've spoken about separating the two in the past, but
they've never done it.
Vice Chair Toci asked where the boundaries are on Saddle Road. AC Basque stated
on the new DKI Road, the Hilo and South Kohala boundary is near the Waiki`i ranch
turn-off.
Assistant Chief Andrew Burian stated his prior position was within the Technical
Services Division, one of the sections in this division is the Traffic Services Section.
Referring to Commissioner Quartararo's concerns he stated that normally, they are not
consulted with by the Department of Transportation, they can make recommendations
based upon studies that they do. Commanders submit traffic and crime trends reports
monthly. If something needs to be addressed, the Traffic Services Section
communicates with the Department of Transportation (state entity) or the Department
of Public Works (county entity). It is not the purview of HPD to say where signs go or
what the speed limit should be, but they do work together with those agencies.
Personnel Report: Assistant Chief Burian reported as of April 17, 2023, sworn police
vacancies are at 78 in the field, subtracting five in the 96t" recruit class and eight in the
97t", which puts them at 65 actual positions unfilled in the department. Of
Communication Officer Positions, 44 are allocated, 28 are filled, and 11 are vacant. As
for supervisors, four are filled and one is vacant, however, that vacant position will be
filled on May 1, 2023. As of April 17, 2023, HPD had filled 419 out of 484 sworn
positions (87%) and 125 out of 156 civilian positions (80%).
Recruitment Activities: Assistant Chief Burian reported there are five recruits in the 96t"
recruit class, they are in field training until April 30t". Four recruits will hit the road and
begin solo assignments on May 1st, one will continue with field training for another
month. The 97t" recruit class has eight members currently in academic training until
July 15t", they'll go out on field training and then solo assignments on November 16t"
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Regular Session Minutes
April 21, 2023
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The tentative start date for the 98t" recruit class is June 16t". As for internal
recruitments, screening has been completed for PO Ills, they'll move onto the interview
process soon and will provide the chief with the list of recommendations from the
interview panel. Police lieutenant recruitment opened last year, written exams were in
December, and they have conducted interviews and promotions. Interviews were
completed for sergeants/detectives and six were promoted. The agility is scheduled for
April 26t" for the 991" recruit class.
Commissioner Lassiter wanted to know details about the agility course. AC Burian
explained it's designed to simulate activities you may be required to do as a police
officer. They drag a 150 lb. bag approximately 5 ft., run up a flight of stairs a couple of
times, go through a window, do a sprint of approximately 20-30 yards, jump over a
fence, do a zig-zag course, and go over a barrier. For them to pass the agility, it needs
to be completed within 75 seconds. He further explained possible changes in the
future.
Chair Robinson asked if officers are required to pass a physical test once a year. AC
Burian stated there is an annual physical examination by a physician to confirm they
can perform their duties, but no annual agility testing.
• Finance: Assistant Chief Burian reported as of March 31, 2023, their targeted overall
expenditure was 69.16% and the actual was 70.76%. Targeted salaries and wages
expenditures were 79.17% and the actual was 82.47%. Regular salaries and wages
were at 72.95%. Overtime salaries and wages were 299.49% and miscellaneous
salaries and wages were 112.01 %.
Chair Robinson asked what the codes are in the salaries and wages summary report.
AC Burian explained those are the account numbers. There are three accounts listed
on the report; regular salaries and wages account, overtime account for every district,
and miscellaneous salaries and wages. Chair Robinson wanted to know if there's a
reason HPD doesn't budget more money for overtime in the initial budget. AC Burian
explained it depends on vacancies, this is an ideal budget that is estimated. Chair
Robinson suggested instead of relying on overtime to cover the cost, put more money
into regular salaries and wages. AC Burian explained what's in regular salaries and
wages are for the total amount of police officers they have allocated to that district.
Even if they're fully staffed, they don't know when there will be natural disasters and
other major incidents. They can't always plan for those, but they do the best they can
based on historical data.
Chief Moszkowicz reported that they scheduled a meeting with HR to discuss a
continuous recruitment plan, which would allow people to apply on an ongoing basis.
They'll also discuss with HR if it's permissible to allow those who failed the agility test a
second opportunity and see if they can amend certain guidelines for employment.
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Regular Session Minutes
April 21, 2023
Page 5
They're currently in the process of building a website. URL was purchased
"joinhawaiipolice.com" for recruitment info and videos.
Chief Moszkowicz reported that according to the mayor, the three salary commission
vacancies have all received nominations, and nominees are pending County Council
approval.
• Commendations: Chief Moszkowicz reported receiving five commendations, involving
five personnel since the last Police Commission meeting in recognition of outstanding
services.
Commissioner Lassiter expressed her gratitude and stated officers did a great job
organizing the traffic at the parade last Saturday.
Personnel: Chief Moszkowicz reported effective April 1, 2023, they promoted one major
and two captains. Major Thomas Shopay is assigned to Technical Services, this was
Major Mahuna's former position before he transferred to Area I. Captain Aurelio is
assigned to the Criminal Intelligence Unit and the Office of Professional Standards.
Captain Prudencio, former CALEA Accreditation Manager is now assigned to Criminal
Investigations, Area II. There will be a recognition ceremony on Wednesday, at 5:30
p.m., at the conference center.
Chief Moszkowicz reported they were able to go through the 25 sergeant applicants
and 17 lieutenant applicants in a two -week period. Those interviews and the results of
that process were submitted to him on Monday and by Tuesday, they selected six
lieutenants, three sergeants, and three detectives who will be promoted on May 1St
Two civilians were promoted in the last three months and two certificates of merit
awardees will be recognized at the ceremony as well. Soon -to -be Lieutenants: Acob,
who will be assigned to the records division, Carvalho assigned to SRT, Fernando
assigned to Area I Criminal Investigations, Hardie assigned to Area II Criminal
Investigations, Jackson and Lewis will be assigned to Kona Patrol. Soon -to -be
Sergeants: Antonio assigned to North Kohala Patrol, Fukumoto assigned to Puna
Patrol, and Omaya is an officer in the admin section and will remain in admin. Soon -to -
be detectives: Melendez assigned to Area II CIS, Nacino assigned to Area II JAS, and
Pa was assigned to Area II Criminal Investigations. These promotions are effective May
1 St
Chief Moszkowicz reported on other department activities:
➢ March 23rd "Learn 2 Live" presentation at Pahoa and Waiakea high schools.
➢ National Public Telecom municators Week was last week.
➢ March 241", he went on a ride along with Puna Patrol on third watch.
➢ March 31St panel presentation at the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and
Industry in Hawaii.
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Regular Session Minutes
April 21, 2023
Page 6
➢ April 6th he and Major Mahuna participated in the public services academy at
Waiakea High School.
➢ April 12th Hawaii County Council budget presentation. HPD received money for
uniforms. They are looking at funding in the capital improvement project budget
to build a facility for the department or the county to have its own morgue.
➢ Earlier this week, he met with pastors in Hilo for a breakfast meeting who were
very supportive and will assist with recruitment by sharing the department's
website to hopefully drive some interest in positions.
➢ Yesterday, he had the opportunity to guest teach at a criminology course at UH
Hilo.
➢ April 18th WSIN (Western States Information Network) awarded HPD with the
Agency of the Year Award for 2022.
Chief Moszkowicz stated they are part of the Association of Justice Advisory Council
with Hawaii Community College. They provided opportunities for HPD to support their
grant funding. This program and grant funding are designed to take people with
certificates and make them more attractive to employers. Law enforcement is one of
many programs that they offer. They also invited him to participate as a lecturer to
teach a class at the Hawaii Community College. He needs to submit a request for
outside employment and will submit it to the commission for their consideration and
approval.
Chief Moszkowicz reported on other personnel to be recognized; commendations,
recipients of the Kona Crime Prevention's Officer of the Month, Haweo Award, and
Aloha Exchange Club's Officer of the Year.
The department is working on a project called "80 for 80." July 1It is the Hawaii Police
Department's 80th birthday. The department was founded through the County Charter
on July 1, 1943. For the 80 days leading up to its birthday, they'll dig through old
archives, find some things to share, and celebrate 80 years' worth of history. They've
been sharing a different vignette every day on social media.
Chief Moszkowicz informed the commission about an attempted murder and armed
robbery that occurred on April 20th. The suspect shot at officers' vehicles. Through
sequences of events, there were no injuries, and suspects were later taken into
custody without any further incident.
Chief Moszkowicz expressed his interest in broadcasting and sharing Police
Commission meetings. He stated, using the technology available in Council Chambers,
we could set up a Zoom meeting and stream it to YouTube. He stated the department
has a YouTube channel, and it could be posted there if we go in that direction. If not,
the Police Commission could set up its own YouTube site. He could also bring staff
with him to stream and broadcast the meetings.
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Regular Session Minutes
April 21, 2023
Page 7
Vice Chair Toci stated it appears that he is working on his checklist of things he wanted
to do when he first took the position. She expressed that he is doing a great job, but
she doesn't want him to burnout and advised him to share the load and delegate. She
further stated she would like to add to the agenda discussion on Zoom meetings, she
thinks it's a great way for the community to see what good the department does.
Chair Robinson advised the chief that his request for outside employment will be on the
next agenda, as well as broadcasting the meetings.
Recess was called at 10:48 a.m. The meeting reconvened at 11:11 a.m.
Chair Robinson advised they will push the new business further down the agenda and go
into executive session to address complaints and other executive session matters first.
EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC)
Commissioner Lassiter motioned to meet in executive session to consider charges against
the officers or employees of the police department, where matters affecting privacy will be
involved; to consider sensitive matters related to public safety, and may consult with the
board's attorney 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). Seconded by Vice Chair Toci, no discussion, all in favor,
executive session convened at 11:12 a.m.
Motion to reconvene open session made by Commissioner Lassiter, seconded by
Commissioner Ing, with no discussion, and it carried unanimously. Regular session
reconvened at 1:13 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS
• Correspondence No. 23-06: Invitation to the State of Hawaii Police Commissioners'
Conference on June 1-2, 2023, hosted by the Honolulu Police Commission.
Chair Robinson asked if everyone received the invitations. All Commissioners
confirmed their receipt of the invitations. Commissioners Sur and Toci advised that they
are unable to attend.
Ms. Correa asked if anyone has any important topics they would like to discuss during
the roundtable discussion at the conference. Commissioner Ing stated he's curious as
to what kind of training the other Police Commissioners on each island receive and
would like to discuss that. Commissioner Quartararo asked about lateral transfers from
out of state and asked if it's different in each county within this state. He would like to
discuss out-of-state recruitment.
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Regular Session Minutes
April 21, 2023
Page 8
• Discussion and recommendation for the Police Commission to draft and submit a letter
to the Salary Commission encouraging a salary increase for the Police Chief and
Deputy Police Chief.
Chair Robinson stated in Hawaii County, the salaries are set by the Salary
Commission, unlike in Honolulu where it needs to be reviewed and approved by County
Council. It's been five years since the last salary increase. He feels it should be
increased by the amount of the CPI index and ask for two 5% increases in the following
two years, that way they're not locked into having one salary that wouldn't be amended
for another five years.
Commissioner Lassiter wanted to know how many vacancies there were for the Salary
Commission. DCC Frenz explained its district -specific, with a total of nine members. On
Tuesday two nominees went before the committee with no issues and in two weeks,
they'll go before County Council. On May 2nd one more nominee will go before the
committee, but she has county code of ethics and conflict of interest concerns. She is
unsure if this one will pass and if it doesn't, she is not comfortable holding meetings
when she doesn't have whole district representation. Commissioner Lassiter asked
what district is vacant. DCC Frenz stated districts 3, 6, and 7 were vacant, but can't
recall which district is causing her concerns.
Vice Chair Toci asked what the conflict was. DCC Frenz explained that the business
this person works for has contracts with the County of Hawaii and she personally sees
a conflict of interest which causes her concern.
Commissioner Quartararo asked if they will write the letter and wait for the next
meeting to approve the letter with recommendations to the Salary Commission. Chair
Robinson stated they have several drafts prepared for them today. Today, they will
discuss and approve a recommendation then they will send the letter to the Salary
Commission.
The commission reviewed and discussed different percentage increases to the police
chief and deputy chief's salaries.
Chair Robinson stated his recommendation is $191,413 for the chief and $182,712 for
the deputy chief. Commissioners Lassiter and Sur disagreed, stating that was too high.
DCC Frenz explained the Police Commission can make a recommendation and the
Salary Commission is free to disregard it, modify, or adjust it. Ultimately the Salary
Commission has 100% control and jurisdiction over that decision, this is just a
recommendation.
Commissioner Lassiter stated she feels $176,000 for the chief would be good, and
Commissioner Sur agreed. He had to leave for work but stated they could recommend
$191,000, but he's more comfortable with $176,000.
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Regular Session Minutes
April 21, 2023
Page 9
Commissioner Sur left the meeting at 1:36 p.m.
Vice Chair Toci agrees with Chair Robinson and recommends $191,413 for the chief
and $182,712 for the deputy chief. Commissioner Ing seconded. Chair Robinson stated
this would be keeping pace with inflation. The commission agreed to that amount. Ms.
Correa clarified and asked if they still want to recommend the two 5% increases. Chair
Robinson stated yes, they should recommend that to the Salary Commission.
Report from Vice Chair Toci regarding training she attended, Building Resilience in
First Responders.
Vice Chair Toci reported that on February 22nd she attended Building Resilience in First
Responders. There was a combination of police officers, park rangers, lifeguards,
firefighters, and personnel from Maui and Oahu. She explained that this training is
rarely given to first responders. The Trainer was Nick Turkovich, director at the First
Responders Support Network West Coast Trauma Center. He opened with suicide
statistics among first responders. She stated the high rate is alarming with first
responders on the job and retirees. She explained that she had personal matters she
had to attend to and apologized for not being able to stay the whole day, she tried to
stay as long as she could. The instructor wanted to make sure that departments focus
on wellness for first responders. She stated that Renee Godoy did a good job
coordinating this and expressed her gratitude to the chaplains who have an interest in
our first responders and for providing this training for them.
DCC Frenz stated the chief spoke earlier about wanting to record the meetings. It
seems very easy to do, but the commission needs to be aware of what they say, a
YouTube recording would be up for everyone to see. Chair Robinson stated due to the
sensitive material that they discuss here, he wouldn't want that out there for public
broadcast. DCC Frenz advised the commission that appearances matter; what you say,
how you say it, and decorum matters. She advised the commission to think this through
because if we go that route, it will be critical to make records. She further explained it is
open hearings, the chief could bring someone in to record it. Vice Chair Toci stated
she sees her point, this needs to be on the agenda and discussed further.
• Consideration and discussion regarding the formation of a committee to look at
recruitment and training.
Commissioner Quartararo feels the recruitment process needs to be reviewed. There's
so much detail they could get into and he believes they could help improve it. They're
missing out on the recruitment of well -experienced officers from other jurisdictions out
of state. Where he's from they had to revisit their general plan every five years. They
had a committee made up of 15-20 people from the public and two planning
commissioners, they didn't have to go through the regular process of calling it a
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Regular Session Minutes
April 21, 2023
Page 10
Planning Commission meeting. The committee would report a recommendation to the
full commission.
Chair Robinson stated a committee would be good where they could make
recommendations, but the department has certain policies in place and he's not sure
about the administrative part of forming a committee.
Commissioner Quartararo stated he's not suggesting that someone coming from
outside their jurisdiction does not go through an academy process or abbreviated
process. Commissioner Ing advised that officers who transfer here don't go through
the full five -and -a -half -month recruit class. They try to accelerate them based on their
background.
Commissioner Quartararo feels the department is reducing the pool of possibly good
recruits with the current policies. He stated the "Aloha Training," provided to recruits is
a half -day session, he doesn't feel it's adequate and this is just an example. The whole
process needs to be looked at and updated again.
Chair Robinson stated civil service has strict standards, even when it comes to
amending training. He stated they could make recommendations and it would be up to
the chief. They could ask the chief to form a committee on recruitment and retention,
which could consist of some commission members. DCC Frenz advised so long as you
don't have a quorum. Commissioner Ing stated he agrees, the department could
improve recruiting efforts, they need to actively seek out qualified people and the
department is trying to make changes, he has seen improvements.
Commissioner Quartararo stated they need a committee to speak about the ideas and
details involved. Chair Robinson stated they could ask Chief Moszkowicz to form a
committee and ask him to appoint two or three commissioners to that committee to
participate with them. Commissioner Quartararo stated that would work.
DCC Frenz advised she will provide a legal answer regarding creating an informal PIG
(permitted interaction group). She confirmed the question is, can this commission
create an informal working group that is not specifically a PIG? She asked if there was
a reason why he wouldn't want an actual PIG. She understands that he wants a
working group of a couple of commission members that was not a formal PIG. She
explained there's a specific function under Sunshine, it would consist of two to four
commissioners, as long as it's under quorum.
Commissioner Quartararo explained it would be easier to find two Police
Commissioners than it would be to find four. DCC Frenz noted when you have a PIG
you must report back at every hearing and you're not able to make decisions.
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Regular Session Minutes
April 21, 2023
Page 11
Vice Chair Toci asked why not have two commissioners meet up with HPD instead of
forming this group. They don't know the standards, policies, and procedures. They can
make all the recommendations that they want, but that won't mean anything if HPD
doesn't have that in a policy or procedure. Commissioner Quartararo explained that he
wants input from people in the community.
DCC Frenz stated a good start would be to get the bargaining unit requirements for the
recruits, you need to know what the restrictions and limitations are. She will email the
chief requesting this info and provide him notice that the commission wants to discuss
a working group.
ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS
• Request for representation by Corporation Counsel
➢ Correspondence No. 23-05: Christopher Kagawa v. County of Hawaii Police
Department; Alric Dalere; Michael Santos in Civil No. 3CCV-22-0000422.
Motion to affirm representation made by Commissioner Ing, seconded by
Commissioner Quartararo, no discussion and it carried unanimously.
➢ Correspondence No. 23-07: Josephine T.W. Bishop and Nelson Hinano
Kahele v. County of Hawaii; Justin Gaspar; Chad Taniyama in Civil No. 3CCV-
23-0000134. Motion to affirm representation made by Commissioner Lassiter,
seconded by Commissioner Ing, no discussion and it carried unanimously.
• Investigation of complaints
➢ HPC 23-04: Complainant alleges the officer failed to properly investigate their
incident. Commissioner Lassiter motioned to continue in order to review video
footage and other material at the next meeting, seconded by Commissioner
Quartararo. Discussion: Commissioner Ing asked if the commission needs to
view the BWC footage to make a decision, he feels there is enough to refer to
OPS for investigation. Having the BWC footage could tilt it even more in favor
of that, but he doesn't feel it's necessary. Commissioner Quartararo sees it
either as supporting what's been said or not supporting what's been said. DCC
Frenz clarified that this request would be for just BWC footage or all video -
recovered evidence in this case. Commissioner Ing stated that would be a lot
of footage. Vice Chair Toci asked if they could refer this to OPS for
investigation, but still view all the video footage. DCC Frenz advised they
could do both; refer for investigation and make the request for footage, it's still
under their purview, jurisdiction, and rights to do. Ms. Correa stated, if they
request both, she will send a letter to the chief stating this complaint is being
referred to OPS for further investigation and another letter requesting to view
all footage regarding this case. Usually, they would request BWC footage if the
commission decides to continue the investigation. DCC Frenz stated the
second letter could state, although the commission routed this matter to OPS
for further investigation, the commission would still like to see the BWC
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Regular Session Minutes
April 21, 2023
Page 12
footage to better ascertain their thoughts and credibility. Chair Robinson stated
if they've already sent it to OPS, what would be the point of viewing all the
footage? DCC Frenz stated credibility will always be an issue, you could view
it to assess credibility for future matters. You could also change your mind and
no longer wish to refer. Chair Robinson stated the motion on the table is to
continue this to the next meeting and request to view all video footage,
regardless of its source, and called for a vote.
o Vote: Ayes were called out by Commissioners Lassiter, Quartararo, and
Toci. Nay by Commissioner Ing. Motion failed.
➢ Commissioner Quartararo motioned to refer to the chief for further
investigation without the review of video footage. Seconded by Commissioner
Lassiter, with no further discussion, it carried unanimously.
• Complaint in the non -acceptance category
➢ HPC 23-08: Commissioner Quartararo motioned to accept the Chair's decision
to decline the investigation. The subject matter of the complaint is not within
the jurisdiction of the commission, the complaint was against a park ranger.
Commissioner Lassiter seconded, no discussion, and it carried unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair Robinson announced the next meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
It's no longer scheduled in Council Chambers, instead, it will be at the West Hawaii Civic
Center, Conference Room G.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING
Commissioner Ing made a motion to add an item to the next agenda. His proposal was to
entertain the thought of Police Commissioners receiving some form of training. He'd like to
see some form of training given by the department. They could work with the department
to create something for all commissioners, especially newly appointed ones, so they better
understand how the police department works; patrol operations, policies, procedures,
arrests, and terminology.
Commissioner Quartararo shared his experience on a transportation commission. Prior to
his first meeting, one of the transportation commissioner/council members took him out to
lunch and explained how things went, the nuances, and so forth, which was helpful. Chair
Robinson asked if he seconded. Commissioner Quartararo stated no, it wasn't a second.
Commissioner Ing stated the commission is basically an oversight board for the
department and having some kind of training on that department would be beneficial. He
isn't sure what kind of format this could be, it would be something the commission agrees
upon. He would be happy to work with the department to put something together. It could
be a presentation to bring familiarity and give more insight into how the department works.
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Regular Session Minutes
April 21, 2023
Page 13
Chair Robinson asked if there was a second. Vice Chair Toci seconded. Ayes called out by
Commissioners Ing and Toci. Nays from Commissioners Quartararo and Lassiter. The
motion failed. Commission Lassiter advised Commissioner Ing that this is his first meeting
and asked him to present this at another meeting, so he can get a better feel for the
commission. She further stated it was a complicated meeting today, it would be more
helpful to bring it up at another meeting where they're more organized and when there's a
full board of commission members. Vice Chair Toci stated oftentimes, they ask the same
questions, forgetting it was asked at a previous meeting because they don't have that
understanding of the department's procedures. She feels this was an awesome
opportunity.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 2:27 p.m.
SUBMITTED BY: CHARISSE CORREA, SECRETARY
APPROVED BY: RICK ROBINSON, CHAIR