Fate of Hawaiʻi County’s Chief Moszkowicz remains in limbo as Police Commission decides what to do

The fate of Hawaiʻi County Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz remains up in the air after the Hawaiʻi County Police Commission was unable to make a decision at its Friday meeting about whether to accept Moszkowiczʻ retraction of his resignation letter.

On June 4, Moszkowicz submitted his resignation to become interim chief of the Honolulu Police Department — at the recommendation of Honolulu City and County Mayor Rick Blangiardi. But only hours later, he rescinded his resignation after he learned it was the Honolulu Police Commission and not Blangiardi who had the authority to fill the position.

Out of concerns about Moszkowiczʻ committment to the Big Island, the Hawaiʻi County Police Commission voted 4-3 not to accept Moszkowiczʻ rescinded resignation. But the motion failed because a 5-2 majority was needed.

After the vote, Vice Chair John Bertsch made a motion that the Police Commission hold a special hearing that would be open to the public before July 15 — the effective date of Moszkowiczʻ resignation — to give Moszkowicz a chance to address the commission and its concerns.

Moszkowicz did not attend the Friday meeting, saying in a statement that it was “unfortunately” due to a family commitment on Kauaʻi.

“Out of respect for the position of chief of police and for his previous commitment, we should allow Chief Moszkowicz to be heard and ask him the tough questions in an open meeting,” Bertsch said.

That motion passed unanimously, and the hearing will be scheduled as soon as possible.

The saga began on June 2, when Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan unexpectedly announced his retirement. Logan and Blangiardi had major differences, according to multiple news reports.

On the same day, Blangiardi said he strongly recommended that Moszkowicz “come back to Honolulu” to serve as interim chief, effective July 16.

“Ben and I have talked, and he’s agreed to do that,” Blangiardi said at the press conference. “He returns to HPD, where he spent 22 years prior. Outstanding police officer, outstanding leadership skills, and we’re looking forward to having him arrive to take the reins.”

But it was not Blangiardi’s decision. And by the time Moszkowicz found out, he already had submitted his resignation to Police Commission Chair Rick Robinson via email at 8:45 a.m. At 2:02 p.m., he emailed Robinson back to rescind his resignation.

At the Honolulu Police Commission meeting on Wednesday, eight applicants for the interim chief job were interviewed, including Moszkowicz. The commissioners unanimously selected Honolulu Police Department Deputy Chief Rade Vanic as the interim chief.

On Friday, Hawai’i County Police Commissioner Jacob Tavares said: “I respect anyone’s right to pursue professional opportunities, but I believe our role as commissioners is to ensure continuity, stability and commitment in the role for Hawaiʻi County. I imagine this has created a distraction within the department and has sparked valid concerns regarding intentions and commitment to the community. The public deserves clarity.”

Moszkowicz assumed the role of police chief in Hawaiʻi County in December 2022, after serving on the Honolulu Police force for 22 years as a captain and other ranks. He was also the runner-up for the police chief position in Honolulu three years ago.

Tavares moved to reject the rescission of Moszkowicz’s resignation, seconded by Commissioner Wendy Sue Botelho.

“This department has several programs across the island that deserve strong, focused leadership,” Tavares said. “The position of chief of police in Hawaiʻi County is not a stepping-stone position. And that’s not me shaming anyone for professional pursuits, but it’s how we see our responsibility as the police commission and maintain public trust in this department.”

Tavares, Botelho, Greg Yamada and Lloyd K. Enriquez voted not to accept the retraction of his resignation.

Bertsch said he wanted to hear from Moszkowicz before making a decision about this fate.

“I had the opportunity to watch the Honolulu Police Commission meeting and interviews, and I heard Chief Moszkowicz say that if he’s selected as interim chief, he would apply to stay on as permanent chief,” Bertsch said. “Since he was not selected, I think it’s important for us to know what his intentions are and, quite frankly, we need to hear from him.”

In a statement, Moszkowicz said: “I am thankful for the opportunity to talk to the commissioners in a special session to explain everything that has happened and answer questions in person.”