HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-11-13 Police Commission MinutesHAWAII COUNTY POLICE COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 13, 2008
KING KAMEHAMEHA BEACH HOTEL
INVOCATION
Commissioner Kaoiwi gave an invocation.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Lassiter called the meeting to order at 5:06 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Pudding Lassiter, Chair Also Present: Lincoln Ashida, Corporation Counsel
Thomas P. Whittemore, Vice Chair Josie Pelayo, Secretary
Richard J. Behenna, Commissioner
Louis Kaoiwi, Commissioner
Karolyn P. Lundkvist, Commissioner
Melvin S. Morimoto, Commissioner
Anita Politano Steckel, Commissioner
Michael B. Sumja, Commissioner
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Kaoiwi moved to approve the agenda. Commissioner Sumja seconded the
motion, and it carried unanimously.
TESTIMONIES FROM THE PUBLIC ON CHIEF OF POLICE CANDIDATES
The Police Commission will take public input regarding the selection of the Chief of
Police for the Hawaii County Police Department. The two candidates for Chief of
Police are:
1. Chadwick K. Fukui
2. Harry S. Kubojiri
TESTIMONIES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:
MRS ELAINE WATAI of the Kealakehe Neighborhood Watch spoke in support of Chad Fukui.
His compassionate attitude enabled them to overcome their inadequacies and fears and
helped them develop their volunteer skills. He went the extra mile to extend the services of the
department. His attitude and professionalism makes her support him.
JEREMY GAMBING of a Kealakehe Youth group spoke in support of Chad Fukui. Chad is a
good community person. He will help wipe out pakalolo.
JULIAN SHIROMA stated that he retired as a Captain in Hawaii Police Department in
December 2003. He has known Harry Kubojiri for 29 years. They became close friends, and
he began to like and trust him. One night Harry broke his trust and crossed the forbidden line.
This happened about 24 years ago, but it is not forgotten. He has known Chad Fukui for many
years. He worked his way up the ranks. He doesn't remember him sucking up to the brass.
He earned his respect and trust.
Hawaii County Police Commission
Regular Session Minutes
November 13, 2008
Page 2
SHILOAH WATAI of the Youth Crime Watch stated that she never had the opportunity to know
Chad Fukui like her aunty. She supports him because of everything she heard.
ARTEMIO GUZMAN, a sixth grader at Kealakehe Elementary School stated the people in his
community know Chad Fukui. He casts his vote for him.
YVONNE NALDOZA of the Kealakehe Youth Neighborhood Watch spoke in support of Chad
Fukui. She knew him from 1974 when she got married. While living in Puna, her 18 -year old
son got in trouble. Chad came out and took care of the problem. They need leaders like him.
JOHN BERTSCH stated that he has lived in Kona close to ten years. He encouraged the
commission to listen to everybody and listen to the pros and cons. The two are fantastic
candidates. He knows them both personally and has had inter - working knowledge with both
for a long time. He is here to support of Harry Kubojiri. Kubojiri has come up the ranks in the
police department and continues to show leadership and depth which the department needs to
carry on. Harry was significant in implementing the Special Response Team. He met Harry
when he was a Major in West Hawaii. He believes that his management and leadership has
reduced the crime rate and made them feel safer.
TESTIMONIES CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC (EXECUTIVE SESSION): Vice Chair Whittemore
moved to meet in executive session to consider the hire of an employee where consideration
of matters affecting privacy will be involved, to receive information comprising of personal
recommendations or evaluation, and to 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), and 92F -14 (b) (8). Commissioner Lundkvist seconded the
motion, and it carried unanimously. Executive session convened at 5:35 p.m.
Regular session reconvened at 6:45 p.m.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair Lassiter announced that the Police Commission is scheduled to have two more meetings
to take testimony on the Chief of Police candidates. The next meeting will be on November
18, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. at the County's Aupuni Center Conference Room, 101 Pauahi St., Hilo.
The last meeting will be on November 20, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at the Waimea Civic Center
Conference Room, 67 -5189 Kamamalu St., Waimea.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
SUBMITTED:
�asie Pe�a�a
JOSIE PELAYO, SECRETARY
APRPOVED:
�udd�v�,�, Lass�te�
PUDDING LASSITER, CHAIR