County committee backs MOU with FBI for financial‑crimes task force after privacy questions

The Hawaii County committee voted to forward Resolution 250‑25 to the full council with a favorable recommendation, a step that would authorize the mayor to enter an intergovernmental agreement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Honolulu Division for participation in the Hawaii Financial Crimes Task Force.

The recommendation passed after committee discussion about growing online financial crimes and the county police department’s need for federal investigative tools. Captain Rio Wilkins of the Hawaii Police Department’s criminal investigations unit told the committee the department “got involved in it about a year ago” and that detectives had been identified in Hilo and Kona but later transferred out. Wilkins said the FBI partnership “gives us more tools to use to try to go after these [cases] and try to stop some of them before they occur.”

Why it matters: Council members said the county is seeing a “huge increase” in complex, online financial crimes that often move money overseas quickly, narrowing the window to recoup funds for victims. Supporters said the task force can help recover money for victims and identify organized schemes that local investigators cannot reach alone.

What was discussed: Committee members asked how cases would qualify for federal involvement and whether there is a dollar threshold. Wilkins said there is no specific dollar amount and that eligibility depends on the complexity of the investigation and whether perpetrators appear to be overseas. Council member Kerkowitz asked whether certain offenses, like a bank robbery, would “automatically qualify.” Wilkins answered that federal interest often depends on interstate commerce, the offender’s record or other factors.

Privacy and access concerns: Council member Villegas pressed for assurances the MOU would not give federal agents broad access to county residents’ private information, particularly for vulnerable communities. Wilkins said that in his experience federal assistance on investigations has not created those problems. Corporation Counsel Renee Shaw said she had “nothing to add” beyond the captain’s answers. The committee chair noted the FBI provided a confidential copy of the proposed agreement that was not released publicly.

Formal action: A motion to approve and forward Resolution 250‑25 to the full council with a favorable recommendation carried. The clerk recorded eight ayes, with one council member excused.

Next steps: The resolution will return to full council for final action and signature by the mayor if approved. Committee members asked staff to be prepared to track how many county detectives are assigned to the task force and how often FBI resources are requested.

Ending note: Committee discussion emphasized victim restitution as a chief objective and requested clearer information about how the county will staff and sustain local participation in the task force.