Teleconferencing in Kona for HPD Comment Session

The Hawai’i Police Department has announced an additional opportunity for West Hawai’i residents who are interested in participating in a Tuesday public comment session regarding HPD accreditation to be involved.

Video teleconferencing of the meeting will take place in Kailua-Kona during the July 14 meeting. Beginning at 5 p.m., the meeting will be accessible to those in West Hawai’i from the Mayor’s Conference Room on the second floor of Building “C” at the West Hawai’i Civic Center.

Public testimony in both Hilo and Kona will be linked during the meeting.

The in-person meeting was originally scheduled to be held in the County Council Chamber but has since been moved to the Puna Conference Room at the County Building. HPD officials say the change was made to provide better video teleconferencing abilities.

Tuesday’s session will be hosted by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. The group is seeking community input as part of its overall assessment of the Hawai’i Police Department.

Those who cannot attend the public information sessions in Hilo or Kona should phone in their comments to (808) 961-2270 on Tuesday between the hours of 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Written comments are also being accepted by writing CALEA. 13575 Heahtcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Virgina, 22030-2215, or by visiting the CALEA website.

Beginning Monday, representatives of the commission will be on the Big Island to review HPD’s policies and procedures, administration, operations, and support services. The overall purpose is to verify that the Police Department continues to meet the National Standard established for a law enforcement agency that is required for the department to maintain the voluntary accreditation.