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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-12-20 Police Commission MinutesHAWAII COUNTY POLICE COMMISSION MINUTES — REGULAR SESSION DECEMBER 20, 2002 HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL ROOM CALL TO ORDER Chair Okabe called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Wilfred M. Okabe, Chair Also Present: Horace S. Hara, Vice Chair Daniel C. Kama, Member Phoebe M. Lambeth, Member Dwight K. Manago, Member Walter Moe, Member Peter P. Muller, Member Peter L. Hendricks (arrived at 1:25 p.m.) Absent: John M. Bertsch, Member A quorum was present. Lincoln S. Ashida, Corporation Counsel Josie Pelayo, Secretary Lawrence K. Mahuna, Chief Harry Kubojiri, Major Corporation Counsel Ashida stated that when this meeting's agenda was first filed with the county clerk's office, there was a typographical error in the time of the meeting. It was erroneously listed as 10 o'clock. After it was filed, it was promptly caught by the secretary that it should have been 1 o'clock. Ms. Pelayo conferred with the county clerk, Al Konishi, who informed her that this was typographical error. Corrected notices were then posted at the county clerk's office and sent to all persons on the police commission's mailing list. At the previous meeting of the police commission, the correct date, place, and time were announced by the chair as required by the charter and the law. He agreed with Mr. Konishi's assessment that it was typographical error. It was caught and corrected, and they will proceed as a legal meeting. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Lambeth moved to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Manago and unanimously carried. STATEMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS — None EXECUTIVE SESSION Commissioner Moe moved to meet in executive session to consult with Corporation Counsel on questions and issues pertaining to the commission's powers, duties, privileges, immunities, and liabilities. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kama and unanimously carried. December 20, 2002 Minutes — Page 2 The commission convened into executive session at 1:15 p.m. and reconvened back into regular session at 1:25 p.m. NEW BUSINESS • Confirmation of Major Harry Kubojiri as Deputy Chief Vice Chair Hara moved to accept the chief's selection of Major Harry Kubojiri as deputy chief. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Muller and unanimously carried. • Review of Police Department's Budget for Fiscal Year 2003 -2004 Vice Chair Hara questioned whether the 2003 -2004 budget was aligned with the department's five -year plan, to which Chief Mahuna reported that it was. Commissioner Manago stated that in 1997 -98 they had an equipment budget of $463,262. Their current equipment budget is $119,000. Over the years, they have been constantly cutting their equipment budget. There is very little they can do with this budget in replacing equipment that is outdated and worn out. They need to look at this. Commissioner Manago stated that four years ago the training budget was $100,000. The budget is now $75,000. Training is essential in putting qualified people out on the streets who are going to be more sensitive to the people of our community and who also know how to react to certain situations. Training is of paramount importance, and the budget needs to be increased. If they cannot fill their vacancies, they will be looking at even more vacancies in the future. They have to also project for officers in the schools. Chief Mahuna reported that he hopes to increase the training budget by 100 %. He has embarked on an executive management course which will entail more money. They have to continue their recruitment in order to fill mid and upper management level positions. Chief Mahuna further reported that he was instructed to keep the equipment budget at $119,000 to $150,000. This is only enough for radios. They will have to without replacing items such as vehicles and antiquated equipment. They cannot make any growth in the area of new equipment. There are areas where the repair costs far outweigh the cost of a new vehicle. Chief Mahuna reported that dispatch is where they have the highest overtime. They are now running minimum strength and have to call people back. They are looking at the UH to provide some of the training for dispatchers. They are also looking at dispatchers who are on workman's comp. December 20, 2002 Minutes — Page 3 Vice Chair Hara pointed out a possible typographical error on page 17 of the budget. It stated that they conducted 41,112 internal affairs investigations. Chief Mahuna stated it should be 41. Vice Chair Hara pointed out page 1 of the supplemental budget under priority #3, and questioned whether the new sergeant should be for North Kohala instead of South Kohala, especially in light of the testimonies presented by North Kohala residents at the last commission meeting. Chief Mahuna stated that it might be North Kohala. Chair Okabe thanked Chief Mahuna for putting together such an extensive budget. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Okabe announced that this was his last meeting. He thanked the commissioners for their support during his term as chair, and stated that it was a great honor to serve on the commission. He wished the others luck in the coming years. Chair Okabe further announced that the next monthly meeting would be on January 17, 2003, at 10:00 a.m., at the Waimea Civic Center. He also announced that Mayor Kim would be swearing in the deputy immediately following the meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m. SUBMITTED: JOSIE PELAYO, SECRETARY APPROVED: HORACE S. HARA, VICE CHAIR