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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-30 Police Commission Regular Minutes HAWAI`I POLICE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION MINUTES JANUARY 30, 2026 WEST HAWAI`I CIVIC CENTER, BUILDING A, COUNCIL CHAMBERS 74-5044 ANE KEOHOKALOLE HIGHWAY, KAILUA-KONA, HI CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Yamada called the meeting to order at 9.00 a.m. The meeting was held in person, with a courtesy livestream. Present: Greg Yamada, Chair Wendy Botelho, Vice Chair Arthur Buckman, Commissioner Lloyd Enriquez, Commissioner Junior Fischer, Commissioner Eileen Lacerte, Commissioner Jacob Tavares, Commissioner Bernadette Urban-Smith, Commissioner Absent: Rick Robinson, Commissioner A quorum was present. Also present: Sinclair Salas-Ferguson, Deputy Corporation Counsel Charisse Correa, Secretary STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS Each speaker was given three minutes to testify on an agenda item. Michelle Kuali`i, community member and civilian employee of the Hawaii Police Department, urged the Commission to select a chief whose integrity, honesty, transparency, and moral courage are beyond question. She emphasized the importance of leadership that supports officers while holding them accountable, and that builds trust with the community through presence, approachability, and respect. She shared personal concerns about perceived bullying conduct by one applicant and urged that the selection process be transparent, fair, and free from undue influence. Lieutenant Erich Jackson, Hawaii Police Department, Vice Division, described his background and experience on Hawaii Island and stressed the importance of a chief who understands the island's unique community and culture from day one. He highlighted Interim Chief Mahuna's role in establishing and leading the Vice Division, noting its statewide success in narcotics seizures, and praised Mahuna's commitment, Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 30, 2026 Page 2 transparency, and accountability in facing recent challenges. Lieutenant Jackson requested that the Commission remove "Interim" from Mahuna's title and appoint him as Chief of Police. Armando Rodriguez, coffee farmer, immigrant, president of Aloha Latinos, described his background as a Mexican immigrant raised in Arizona and his work with Aloha Latinos, an organization formed at the request of a former mayor to help residents access County resources, now heavily focused on immigration issues. He shared that, based on negative experiences with law enforcement in Arizona, he never expected to support a police officer. However, he testified in support of Interim Chief Mahuna and Assistant Chief Bird, stating they have been instrumental in working with his community. He noted that Chief Mahuna personally visited his farm to learn about coffee and understand the struggles they are facing, and he expressed confidence that Chief Mahuna has been doing a good job and will continue to do so. Ed Buyten, raised in Kona, 24 years with the Hawaii Police Department, testified that for most of his career, he did not personally know Reed Mahuna, though they knew of each other and had passing interactions. In 2024, after being promoted to captain and assigned to Ka`u, he began working administratively with then Deputy Chief Mahuna and found his character and leadership style to be highly positive and informative. He described the creation of the Vice Division one year ago, noting that it realigned the department and resulted in a direct reporting relationship between him and Deputy Chief Mahuna. He stated that this has been the greatest year of his career, highlighting Deputy Chief Mahuna's expectations of tier one performance, focus on removing dangerous drugs from the community, and emphasis on technology, professionalism, autonomy, creativity, communication, and transparency. He distinguished between "managers" and "leaders," stating that he has worked for a lot of managers and very few leaders, and he trusts Interim Chief Mahuna's leadership and hopes the Commission does as well. Thomas Shopay, acting Assistant Chief, Hawaii Police Department, West Hawaii, thanked the Commission for the opportunity to speak about the selection of the next police chief, emphasizing that the decision will affect morale, effectiveness, and public trust for years. While referencing his written testimony, he elaborated on three reasons for recommending an internal candidate. First, regarding long-term commitment, he cautioned against treating the position as a retirement job or a final capstone for external candidates and stated that the department needs a leader with skin in the game, not a placeholder. Second, on the learning curve, he noted that each department is its own ecosystem and that internal candidates already understand the culture that external candidates would need months or years to learn. Third, on morale, he said promoting from within sends a strong message that excellence and dedication are recognized and that there is a future within the department. He concluded by stating Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 30, 2026 Page 3 that Interim Chief Mahuna is the best choice for the next Chief of Police, citing his desire and ability to do the job, his established ties and vested interest in the community, and his leadership qualities of compassion, accountability, empathy, and fairness, and he urged the Commission to make the appointment official. Chad Basque, recent retiree from the Hawaii County Police Department with over 36 years of service, including 17 years in executive management and three years as Assistant Chief in West Hawaii, acknowledged the difficulty of the Commission's decision and the number of qualified candidates. He stated that the department needs a leader who will take full ownership, responsibility, and accountability, and who is both born on the island and raised in the department. He emphasized the importance of a chief who has strong relationships with sworn and civilian staff and is trusted by the community, county, state, and federal partners. He described effective leadership as requiring strong communication, openness to input, adherence to policies and ethical standards, fairness, consistency, and leading by example on and off duty. Based on his experience working with Interim Chief Reed Mahuna as a peer, supervisor, and later as his subordinate, Basque stated that Mahuna embodies these qualities and strongly recommended that he be selected as the next Chief of Police. Captain Rio Amon-Wilkins, Hawaii Police Department, Area I Criminal Investigation Division, Hilo (with the department since 1999), noted that he has served under six police chiefs and appreciates the Commission's work and the significance of this selection for both the department and the community. He expressed support for Interim Chief Reed Mahuna, recounting their long history working together as patrol officers and detectives in East and West Hawaii, and later with Mahuna as his direct supervisor. He identified Mahuna's honesty and integrity as key strengths, stating that Mahuna consistently holds himself to high ethical standards and does what is right even when it is not easy or popular. He also highlighted Mahuna's ability to listen, gather facts, and make sound, informed decisions rather than acting on emotion. Captain Amon-Wilkins noted that the abrupt departure of the previous chief created uncertainty within the department and that officers deserve a leader who knows the department and community, understands the challenges, and will lead with vision and accountability. He stated that, based on experience, character, and suitability, Interim Chief Mahuna is the best candidate to lead the department forward. Sam Guckenheimer thanked the Commission and expressed gratitude for the process. He stated that he attended the previous day's meeting and was impressed by the eight candidates and by the quality of the interview process. He thanked all of the applicants for their love of the island and commitment to the community. He acknowledged that only one candidate will become chief but encouraged all of them to remain involved with the county and the community, stating that each candidate has something to offer. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 30, 2026 Page 4 Assistant Chief Sherry Bird, 28 years with the Hawaii Police Department, spoke in strong support of Interim Chief Reed Mahuna. She emphasized the importance of integrity, transparency, accountability, fairness, consistency, ethical leadership, clear communication, and community collaboration, and stated that Interim Chief Mahuna not only possesses these values but practices them daily. She cited his compassion, including visiting staff in the hospital and attending services for long-retired officers, as well as his personal interventions in situations where employees facing personal issues had submitted resignations. Instead of simply accepting these resignations, she said, he thoroughly reviewed each situation, identified possible options, and worked with employees so they could resolve their issues and remain with the department, preventing short-term problems from becoming long-term staffing shortages. She stated that Interim Chief Mahuna has strong institutional, departmental, community, and governmental knowledge and is a progressive, visionary leader who demonstrates humility and civility. For these reasons, she expressed her support for his appointment as permanent Chief of Police. Patti Cook thanked the Commission for its work and praised both the quality of the eight candidates and the interview process. She stated that she supports Interim Chief Mahuna for the Chief position but also expressed appreciation for the talents of all the candidates, echoing prior testimony that she hopes they remain engaged in the community. She observed that the world is changing rapidly and that events across the country, as well as locally, are changing the way public safety and policing must be approached. She said she trusts that under Chief Mahuna's leadership, the department, its employees, and the community will be safer. Ms. Cook described ongoing efforts at the Hawaii State Legislature to advance bills related to safe spaces (for schools, churches, health care institutions, and courts), limitations on certain immigration enforcement roles, and "no secret police," and noted that Hawaii County is the only county whose council has formally supported those measures. She concluded that in this changing environment, she trusts Chief Mahuna to maintain and grow community trust and thanked the Commission for its work on what she called the most significant decision it will make in its role. Sherry Bracken, Kona resident since 1994; long-time community volunteer; former radio news reporter for Hawaii Public Radio and host of a local interview program, spoke from a community perspective in support of Interim Chief Mahuna. She referenced her adopted dog, rescued following a fentanyl-related raid by Vice, as one example of the department's work. Drawing on her years of interaction with police personnel in her reporting role, she said she appreciates that Interim Chief Mahuna actively engages with the community and remains accessible even after her retirement from news work, noting that she can reach him on his personal cell phone and that he responds promptly. She stated that, in addition to the strong support expressed by officers, his outreach to and availability for the public is unique and important, especially in a time of Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 30, 2026 Page 5 heightened scrutiny of law enforcement. She thanked the Commission and the candidates for their work and endorsed Interim Chief Mahuna as the permanent Chief of Police. Lincoln Ashida, former Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney and former Corporation Counsel to the Police Department and Police Commission, testified in support of Interim Chief Mahuna. He said his purpose was to provide insight beyond what is available in applications, letters, or interviews. Mr. Ashida recalled first knowing Mahuna casually when Mahuna was a patrol officer and later attending Mahuna's wedding at the invitation of his dad, then Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna, whom Mr. Ashida represented as Corporation Counsel. He shared a personal anecdote about observing Reed Mahuna's care and attentiveness toward his mother at the wedding, which left a lasting impression of his character and respect for family. He stated that, over time, they have become closer and that he has seen Mahuna's commitment to education and professional development, including partnering with the University of Hawaii to allow officers to pursue bachelor's degrees through flexible scheduling. Mr. Ashida characterized Mahuna as a "lifelong student" who is invested in the growth of his officers. Drawing on his experience representing the Police Commission, he commended the Commission for its fairness in the process and urged it now to do the right thing by selecting Interim Chief Mahuna, stating that not only does Mahuna deserve to be Chief, but the community deserves him as Chief. Chair Yamada asked if anyone else wished to testify; there were none. Chair Yamada then entertained a motion to enter into a closed executive session pursuant to HRS §§ 92-4 and 92-5(a)(4) to consult with the Board's attorney regarding the Board's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities related to the Police Chief selection process. Commissioner Lacerte so moved, Vice Chair Botelho seconded, and the motion carried. Executive session was convened at 9.43 a.m. Commissioner Tavares moved to return to open session, seconded by Vice Chair Botelho. With no discussion, the motion carried unanimously, and open session reconvened at 10.25 a.m. EXECUTIVE SESSION SUMMARY Chair Yamada stated that, for full transparency, the Commission discussed remaining legal issues regarding the selection process. He further announced that candidates John Matagi and Jennifer Krauss had withdrawn their applications that morning. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 30, 2026 Page 6 DISCUSSION REGARDING SELECTION OF POLICE CHIEF Chair Yamada stated that the Commission would discuss and possibly decide on remaining aspects of the selection process, including issues raised at the January 29, 2026, meeting. He began by asking whether the conditional offer should include a criminal background check and/or a background investigation. Commissioner Lacerte expressed support for proceeding with such checks. Vice Chair Botelho stated that both a background investigation and criminal background check are important to ensure transparency and to avoid selecting an undesirable candidate for this high-level position, emphasizing the need to cover all bases. Chair Yamada clarified that any conditional offer would be contingent upon a favorable background investigation reported to the Commission. Vice Chair Botelho agreed and added that, once the checks are completed, the Commission should meet to review the findings and proceed from there. Chair Yamada further clarified that a favorable finding, based on HPD standard background and criminal checks, would result in an official permanent offer. Commissioner Tavares asked for clarification regarding the job posting requirement that the selected candidate also undergo a pre-entry medical examination and drug screening. Vice Chair Botelho confirmed that these, too, must be returned as favorable to the Commission, and Commissioner Tavares expressed support. Commissioner Urban-Smith asked whether, after favorable results are received, the Commission would then discuss the matter at its February meeting while making the selection today. Chair Yamada confirmed that today's decision would be a conditional offer. Chair Yamada then called for a motion. Vice Chair Botelho moved that the appointment be made pending a favorable criminal background check and a favorable background investigation, per HPD standards. Commissioner Lacerte seconded. With no further discussion, all were in favor, and the motion carried unanimously. SELECTION OF POLICE CHIEF Chair Yamada invited additional public testimony. Nancy Moser requested clarification on the prior motion. Chair Yamada explained that any offer to the selected candidate would be conditional upon a favorable HPD criminal background check and background investigation. Ms. Moser asked whether this also included requirements in the job posting (such as medical examinations). Commissioner Tavares clarified that, at the next meeting, once all results are received, the Commission will deliberate on whether the conditions have been met and whether to extend a formal offer. Ms. Moser thanked the Commission. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 30, 2026 Page 7 Chair Yamada reminded Commissioners that their deliberations and decision must be based solely on job-related qualifications and the candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including desired leadership qualities and information from written materials, interviews, and public testimony, and must not be based on any prohibited discriminatory factors (e.g., race, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, color, ancestry, disability, or marital status). He then opened a discussion on the selection of the Police Chief. Vice Chair Botelho described the selection process as lengthy and demanding, noting that Commissioners reviewed applications, resumes, supplemental questions, in-person interviews, and numerous letters of recommendation. She emphasized that she took the process very seriously, dedicating significant personal time to review all materials, and expressed disappointment that two candidates had withdrawn. She stated that all interviewees were excellent, but felt that the community, administrative leaders, and the union had spoken clearly in their testimony. She said the decision weighed heavily on her, particularly as someone born and raised on the island, and recommended Interim Police Chief Reed Mahuna for the position. Commissioner Enriquez noted that he, too, has a full-time job and devoted many hours to reviewing material and listening to public testimony. He emphasized his personal commitment to doing what is best for the island and its people, given his family's long- standing ties to the community. He stated that he also recommends Chief Mahuna and is confident in that decision. Commissioner Buckman stated that he has had a connection to the island since 1979 and has made it his home since his retirement 15 years ago. He said he carefully considered all written and oral information, focusing on what is best for the department, the community, and the island, and expressed his support for Reed Mahuna as Chief. Commissioner Tavares thanked all who attended, including candidates and supporters who traveled to be present. He referred to the Commission's desired leadership qualities in the recruitment announcement and said the weight of the decision kept him up at night and occupied his thoughts. He expressed appreciation for the written and oral testimony, particularly from Police Department members, and stated that he supports and will vote for Interim Chief Mahuna. Commissioner Urban-Smith thanked all applicants, especially those who traveled, and noted that the decision weighed heavily on her as a mother and grandmother, knowing its impact on future generations. She stated that, considering the desired leadership qualities and the candidates' written materials, oral testimony, and community actions, Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 30, 2026 Page 8 one candidate clearly stood out and exceeded the qualifications. She recommended Interim Chief Mahuna. Commissioner Fischer, attending his first meeting as a new Commissioner, noted that he was not part of the earlier stages of the process but reviewed all material, such as applications, resumes, questionnaires, and testimony, and found the interviews particularly impactful. He stated that all candidates interviewed well, but that two internal candidates clearly stood out, and that Kenneth Quiocho's interview in particular made a strong impression. He valued candidates who took clear positions on difficult questions rather than remaining neutral, and felt that Quiocho did so and stood strong in his responses. He emphasized the importance of recruitment, retention, and officer wellness, and said that, following the early departure of the prior chief, the department needs a leader who will not treat the role as a stepping stone. He stressed that officers are the backbone of the department and that promoting from within demonstrates that advancement is achievable through hard work and integrity. He stated that both internal candidates would be outstanding chiefs. Commissioner Lacerte addressed Ms. Moser's earlier question by explaining that the Commissioners are prohibited from discussing Commission business outside of official meetings, which is why they must wait for the next meeting to act on background results and why none of them knew each other's preferences before this discussion. She described her own process, which included creating a spreadsheet to compare qualifications, incorporating extensive community input from her district, and weighing the interviews as a third key factor. Based on that, she stated that her vote is for Reed Mahuna, noting that this conclusion was reached independently and without prior discussion with other Commissioners. Chair Yamada stated that all candidates performed well, and there were three candidates he believed would be suitable as Chief. He identified Anthony Kumamaru as his first recommendation, stating that Kumamaru's resume and plans speak for themselves. His second recommendation was Interim Chief Reed Mahuna, noting that Mahuna's current position in the department reflects his accomplishments and that written and oral testimony in his favor was overwhelming. Chair Yamada added that, despite trying to remain neutral, his 28-plus-year career as a police officer inevitably influences his thinking, and that people naturally tend toward comfort. However, he said he believes discomfort can lead to growth and that a third candidate, Kenneth Quiocho, challenges him in that way. He remarked that one recommendation described Quiocho as "not everybody's cup of tea," but that his qualifications are, in Chair Yamada's view, undeniable. He stated that these three: Kumamaru, Mahuna, and Quiocho, were his recommendations. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 30, 2026 Page 9 Chair Yamada asked if there was any further discussion; hearing none, he called for a motion to extend a conditional offer. Commissioner Tavares moved that the Commission extend a conditional job offer for the position of Chief of Police to Interim Chief Reed Mahuna. Vice Chair Botelho seconded the motion. There was no further discussion. A roll call vote was taken: • Vice Chair Botelho —yes • Commissioner Buckman — yes • Commissioner Enriquez— yes • Commissioner Fischer— yes • Commissioner Lacerte — yes • Commissioner Tavares — yes • Commissioner Urban-Smith — yes • Chair Yamada — abstained The motion carried, and Chair Yamada announced that the Commission had voted to present a conditional offer to Interim Chief Reed Mahuna. When invited to speak, Interim Chief Mahuna expressed gratitude for the opportunity and respect for all candidates who participated in the process. He described the experience as humbling and stated that he would not take the Commission's trust for granted. He reiterated his commitment not to let the Commission or the community down and said he would demonstrate his leadership and vision for the department, expressing confidence that great things would be accomplished for the community. He thanked the Commission for its consideration, time, and vote of confidence. A recess was called at 11.05 a.m., and the meeting reconvened at 11.25 a.m. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING Chair Yamada stated that one agenda item for the next meeting will be the review of the background investigation for the Chief of Police. The Commission then discussed administrative details related to the Chief's background investigation. Returning briefly to Agenda Item III (Discussion Regarding Selection of the Police Chief), Commissioner Tavares moved that, given Interim Chief Mahuna's current role and conditional offer to be the permanent Chief, and the potential perceived conflict in having him oversee his own background investigation, the Commission designate Assistant Chief Sherry Bird to oversee and direct the background investigation process. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes January 30, 2026 Page 10 Vice Chair Botelho seconded the motion. With no discussion, the motion carried unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Yamada announced that the next regular meeting is scheduled for Friday, February 20, at 9.00 a.m., at the County Building, Council Chambers, Suite 1401, 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, HI. He also requested that Commissioners return all applications they had received ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Botelho moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Commissioner Tavares. With no discussion, the motion carried unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 1.30 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: CHARISSE CORREA, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: GREG YAMADA, CHAIR