NEW POLICE CHIEF SHOULD OBEY WILL OF THE PEOPLE

Low-Priority Pot Enforcement Key, Panel Told

The Hawaii County Police Commission didn't hear much about the two
candidates for police chief at a public hearing Tuesday night in Hilo.

Instead of testimony on their character, experience and abilities, the
panel got an earful from residents who want to make sure that whoever
takes the chief's post will implement the voter-approved initiative
making the adult personal use of marijuana the lowest law enforcement
priority on the island.

"My question is, will they be supportive of local law rather than
adhere to federal law that the DEA or others could enforce?" asked
Steve Bohlert, a pastor and spiritual teacher. "I don't want to see
the police continue this war against the people using paramilitary
tactics."

Speakers expressed outrage at current Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna's
statements that the county will not change how it enforces marijuana
laws. The initiative was approved 53 percent to 38 percent in the Nov.
4 election and became a county law upon passage.

Several people questioned hiring a chief from within the department
and many prefaced their comments by noting they knew very little about
the candidates -- Deputy Chief Harry Kubojiri and retired Police Capt.
Chadwick Fukui.

"I understand the position was only advertised on the Big Island. I
question whether the commission has the best candidates," said Kenneth
Long, a retired engineer from Pahoa. "What you're getting is the good
old boys. A candidates from outside the county could come in with a
clear perspective and no prejudice and do a great job."

About 60 people attended the meeting, and 50 signed up to speak.
However, a number chose the option of speaking to the commission
behind closed doors. Two hours into the public portion of testimony,
some had thinned out before their turn came to speak.

"How will candidates address harassment of law-abiding citizens?"
asked Ina Campbell, who, like many others, recounted stories of
harassment by police making marijuana busts.

Adam Lehmann, board director of Project Peaceful Sky, said the county
stands to be sued if it fails to follow what is now county law.

"What it comes down to is, this is in black and white and it's the
responsibility of the chief to follow the will of the voters," Lehmann
told the commission. "I wish I knew who it was. I hope you do."

Detective John Rodrigues, who testified in uniform, spent 15 years
working under Kubojiri. He said he was confident that candidate would
emphasize integrity and professionalism in the police department. He
praised Kubojiri for high ethics and integrity, plus skill at
partnerships and writing and implementing policies and procedures.

"He's firm but fair, which is necessary to run a police department,"
Rodrigues said. "He's not a crisis manager putting out fires, but has
a contingency plan and is prepared."

The commission has received about 20 written comments. Another 20
people spoke about the candidates at a Nov. 13 meeting in Kona --
testimony with a completely different tenor.

"The Kona meeting was focused on the candidates. It's a little
different agenda here," commission vice chairman Tom Whittemore said
during a break after the first dozen speakers.

Both Kubojiri and Fukui are veterans of the department. Fukui has 34
years of department experience ranging from organized crime fighting
to patrol, vice sections and rising to the rank of captain, which he
held from 2003 until his retirement in 2006. Kubojiri has 29 years
under his belt since he joined the force as a recruit in 1979 -- the
last six of those years as deputy chief.

The commission received four applications but only two were deemed to
meet minimum requirements for the top cop post.

The next and final public hearing will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at
the Waimea Civic Center Conference Room, near the courthouse. The
commission will review applications in early December before making a
selection. The new chief will take over when Mahuna retires at the end
of the year.

Written testimony may be sent to Hawaii Police Commission, 101 Aupuni
St., Suite 313, Hilo, HI 96720.