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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-20 Police Commission Regular Minutes HAWAI`I POLICE COMMISSION REGULAR SESSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 20, 2026 COUNTY BUILDING, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, SUITE 1401 25 AUPUNI STREET, HILO, HI UNAPPROVED MINUTES These minutes are DRAFT minutes. The commission has not voted to accept them. Changes may/may not be made prior to their adoption at the next meeting. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Chair Yamada called the meeting to order at 9.01 a.m. The meeting was held in person, with a courtesy livestream. Present: Greg Yamada, Chair Wendy Botelho, Vice Chair Lloyd Enriquez, Commissioner Junior Fischer, Commissioner Eileen Lacerte, Commissioner Jacob Tavares, Commissioner Bernadette Urban-Smith, Commissioner A quorum was present. Also present: Reed Mahuna, Police Chief Sherry Bird, Assistant Chief Scott Amaral, Major Thomas Shopay, Major Tuck Loy Aurello, Captain Edwin Buyten, Captain Sinclair Salas-Ferguson, Deputy Corporation Counsel Charisse Correa, Secretary STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC ON AGENDA ITEMS Roger Christie congratulated the new Police Chief, Reed Mahuna, and testified in support of ending the war on drugs and the policies of drug prohibition regarding cannabis and hemp, which he stated involve no criminal intent or victims. He urged acknowledgment of past policy mistakes and collaboration with lawmakers to change course, suggesting Hawaii Island could develop a significant cannabis and hemp industry with community benefits. He referenced letters he emailed from the Native American Church recognizing him and his wife as members in good standing of the THC Ministry and stated that their mission is to serve and uplift humanity. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes February 20, 2026 Page 2 Commissioner Tavares arrived at 9.08 a.m. Patti Cook thanked the Commission for its thorough and transparent process in selecting a new Police Chief and expressed appreciation for the high level of community engagement and strong candidate pool. She mentioned a recent community engagement meeting and encouraged commissioners to attend future meetings in their areas to build community connection and trust. She also reported on statewide efforts at the legislature to establish safe spaces and to keep local police separate from federal immigration enforcement. She noted that they will continue to seek the Commission's support on these issues, and commended recent progress by the Police Department and Commission in strengthening community trust. POLICE CHIEF'S REPORT ON DEPARTMENT ACTIVITIES Presented by the Police Chief and staff. Detailed written reports are on file. Highlights are summarized below: • Crime Report: Major Amaral reported that, through January 31, 2026, there were 3,215 serious crimes. Area I and Area II criminal investigation units investigated 525 of these crimes, with 374 in Area I and 151 in Area 11. • Calls for Service: For January 2026, the department received 10,430 calls for service (FYTD 70,916). • Traffic Report: Major Shopay reported that, through February 18, 2026, traffic crashes are at 574 compared to 557 last fiscal year. Traffic fatalities are at 10, compared to 11. DUI arrests are at 499, compared to 556 last fiscal year. DUI arrests for January 2026 compared to December 2025 are 63, compared to 59. In January, 5,226 citations were issued, including 3,567 for moving/regulatory, 310 for seat belt violations, 21 for child restraint violations, and 1,096 for speeding. • Vice Report: Captain Buyten reported on recent drug enforcement, including substantial methamphetamine seizures, heroin, fentanyl, and other substances, multiple felony arrests, and search warrants, including those related to internet crimes against children. There was discussion regarding how major drug seizures were affecting drug prices, related property and violent crime, and community impacts, as well as why Hawaii Island appears to have a higher fentanyl issue than other islands, and whether drugs were significantly affecting schools. • Personnel Report: Assistant Chief Bird reported a total of 99 sworn police vacancies in the field. After accounting for 13 recruits from the 104th class and 11 from the 105th class, the department currently has 75 actual unfilled sworn positions. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes February 20, 2026 Page 3 Currently, there are 27 positions filled and 4 vacant for police communication officers. All five supervising police communication officer positions are fully staffed. Overall, the department has filled 404 of 530 sworn positions (80%) and 127 of 161 civilian positions (79%). Assistant Chief Bird reported on recruitment activities and continuous recruitment efforts. Chair Yamada inquired about firearms-related vacancies. He asked if the clerk positions in the report were current, as he understood one had recently resigned. Assistant Chief Bird confirmed that recruitment is ongoing. • Finance: Assistant Chief Bird reported challenges with the new county financial system, which currently limits access to standard reports. Finance is working to replicate these reports, but it will take time. Of the approximately $90 million budget, about 65% has been spent or obligated, with a remaining balance of roughly $34 million. Pending reimbursements and adjustments, including $3 million for HGEA temporary hazard pay and a $5.5 million correction from a system transition error, are expected next month, bringing the projected balance to approximately $43 million, consistent with prior fiscal year trends. • Other Department Activities and Updates: Chief Mahuna reported on ongoing department activities, including community policing and outreach efforts such as talk story meetings, youth programs, kupuna scam awareness sessions, recruit class graduation, and community cleanups. He also noted the donation of 127 AED devices from Hilo Benioff Medical Center, with a goal of equipping all officers. • Promotions, Commendations & Awards: Chief Mahuna provided an update on departmental promotions and several recent awards, including dispatchers and officers of the year, month, and quarter, the Haweo Award recipient, crime prevention recognition, and five commendations involving seven personnel since the last Commission meeting. Commissioner Tavares inquired about how success is measured for community meetings, including desired outcomes and follow-up efforts. Chief Mahuna explained that he resumed community meetings following commanders' meetings, with notes and follow-ups tracked to assess how effectively community concerns are addressed. Commissioner Tavares also asked about recognition for retirees. Chief Mahuna stated that retirees receive certificates and acknowledgments at commanders' Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes February 20, 2026 Page 4 meetings, and command staff often attend retirement gatherings to recognize their service. Commissioner Lacerte asked if the public attends commanders' meetings. Chief Mahuna clarified that they are not public meetings, as they involve operational and confidential matters. Commissioner Urban-Smith raised concerns about traffic safety related to recent rallies in Kona. Chief Mahuna stated that officers will assess the situation and continue working with organizers, who have been receptive to guidance to improve safety. Chair Yamada asked the Chief to identify his top priorities. Chief Mahuna highlighted improving officer equipment, strengthening recruitment and retention efforts, and preparing the department for the future through technology. He also emphasized the importance of morale, noting ongoing engagement with officers and efforts to explore schedule, equipment, and policy improvements. Chair Yamada also raised concerns about officers' hesitation to take enforcement action while off duty for fear of discipline; the Chief responded that it's important for leadership to consider the totality of circumstances and recognize officers' good-faith efforts to protect the public. Commissioner Lacerte expressed strong support for the Chief's interest in Al emphasizing that Al should be used to enhance productivity, not replace staff, and suggested that it could help identify major time-consuming, mundane tasks that technology could streamline. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Permitted Interaction Group (PIG) Report: Discussion regarding the Permitted Interaction Group formed on August 30, 2024, to review and recommend amendments to the Police Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. Chair Yamada noted that the PIG was formed prior to his tenure and asked whether commissioners had reviewed the report included in their packets. DCC Salas-Ferguson explained that the PIG was established to review Commission rules and recommend amendments. As the members are no longer on the Commission, their recommendations were submitted in writing. The Commission may accept the report, and any discussion on recommendations would need to occur at a future meeting. The Commission agreed to review the report individually. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes February 20, 2026 Page 5 Recess was called at 10.04 a.m., and the meeting reconvened at 10.18 a.m. NEW BUSINESS Correspondence No. 26-01: Annual Misconduct Report to the State Legislature. Chair Yamada noted that this is a required report that must be submitted to the Hawaii State Legislature annually. There were no comments or discussion. NEW BUSINESS Distribution of Commission Meeting Packets. The Commission discussed the distribution method for commission meeting packets. Members noted challenges with receiving hard-copy packets by mail or pickup, especially given the island's size and individual work schedules, and expressed a preference for secure electronic access to materials (e.g., via a shared folder or portal), potentially in addition to optional hard copies for those who still want them. After discussion about feasibility and the need to involve the Police Department's IT resources, the Commission agreed that electronic distribution is necessary. Commissioner Tavares moved to have the Police Department assist the Commission Secretary in providing secure electronic access to meeting materials within a reasonable timeframe. Commissioner Lacerte seconded the motion, with no discussion., the motion passed unanimously. EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC) Chair Yamada announced that the Commission would enter executive session to review the background investigation for the incoming Police Chief, and would return to open session to make a decision and finalize the matter. Commissioner Tavares motioned to meet in executive session to consider charges against officers or employees of the police department, where matters affecting privacy will be involved 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) and the Hawaii County Charter Section 13-20 (b). Seconded by Vice Chair Botelho, with no discussion, it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10.31 a.m. Motion to reconvene open session made by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Enriquez, with no discussion, and it carried unanimously. The regular session reconvened at 10.40 a.m. ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS Review of Background Check and Investigation of Reed Mahuna and Consideration for Permanent Appointment as Police Chief. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes February 20, 2026 Page 6 Chair Yamada announced that the commission reviewed Reed Mahuna's background investigation for his permanent appointment. Based on the background investigation, he asked for a motion to confirm Chief Mahuna. Commissioner Lacerte made a motion to confirm Chief Mahuna as the Police Chief. Seconded by Vice Chair Botelho, with no discussion, the motion carried unanimously. Chair Yamada offered Chief Mahuna the official appointment as Police Chief, which he accepted with appreciation. Chair Yamada reminded him that his Deputy Chief appointment will require Commission confirmation. EXECUTIVE SESSION (CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC) Chair Yamada asked for a motion to meet in executive session to consider charges against officers or employees of the police department, where matters affecting privacy will be involved 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) and the Hawaii County Charter Section 13-20 (b). Commissioner Tavares so moved, seconded by Vice Chair Botelho, with no discussion, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 10.47 a.m. Motion to reconvene open session made by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Urban-Smith, with no discussion, and it carried unanimously. The regular session reconvened at 12.47 p.m. Chair Yamada stated for the record that there was no one from the public present for public testimony. ACTION ON EXECUTIVE SESSION MATTERS • Consideration and investigation of complaints: o HPC 25-41: Complainant alleges that the officer did not take a report, provided inaccurate information, and was disrespectful. Commissioner Fischer motioned that there was insufficient evidence to prove the complaint's allegations of misconduct, seconded by Vice Chair Botelho, with no discussion; the motion carried unanimously. o HPC 26-02: Complainant alleges that the officer's report was inaccurate and false, and that no response was received despite multiple attempts to contact the officer. Vice Chair Botelho motioned that there was insufficient evidence to prove the complaint's allegations of misconduct, seconded by Commissioner Urban- Smith, with no discussion; the motion carried unanimously. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes February 20, 2026 Page 7 o HPC 26-05: Complainant alleges that officers did not listen to his version of events after his vehicle was struck, prepared an inaccurate police report, and arrested him, during which he was treated improperly while in custody. Commissioner Fischer motioned that there was insufficient evidence to prove the complaint's allegations of misconduct, seconded by Commissioner Urban-Smith, with no discussion; the motion carried unanimously. o Correspondence No. 26-02: Correspondence alleging unprofessional and hostile conduct by an officer. Commissioner Lacerte made a motion to provide a response letter advising that the Police Department is in receipt of this correspondence and is investigating the matter. Seconded by Commissioner Enriquez, with no discussion, the motion carried unanimously. o HPC 26-04 (non-acceptance category due to 90-day rule): Commissioner Urban- Smith made a motion to sustain the chair's decision to decline, based on Rule 6(c)(1), seconded by Vice Chair Botelho, with no discussion; the motion carried unanimously. o HPC 26-06 (non-acceptance category due to 90-day rule): Commissioner Lacerte made a motion to sustain the chair's decision to decline, based on Rule 6(c)(1), seconded by Commission Urban-Smith, with no discussion; the motion carried unanimously. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING • Commissioner Lacerte made a motion to add discussion and deliberation on the Permitted Interaction Group report regarding amendments to the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. Commissioner Enriquez seconded, with no discussion, and the motion carried unanimously. • Commissioner Fischer made a motion to add the Chief's performance evaluation to the next agenda, with the Chief present. Seconded by Commissioner Enriquez, with no discussion, the motion carried unanimously. • Commissioner Lacerte made a motion to add a discussion with the Chief on succession planning for the secretary position. Seconded by Commissioner Fischer, with no discussion, and the motion carried unanimously. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Yamada announced the next regular meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, at 9.00 a.m. at the West Hawaii Civic Center, Building A, Council Chambers. He noted that Ms. Correa's first day in her new position is on March 1, and mentioned the possibility that she may stay to assist under the Chief's direction. Hawaii Police Commission Regular Session Minutes February 20, 2026 Page 8 ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Tavares moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Vice Chair Botelho, with no discussion, the motion carried unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 1.35 p.m. SUBMITTED BY: CHARISSE CORREA, SECRETARY APPROVED BY: