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Committee approves FBI memorandum of understanding with HPD for drug‑trafficking investigations
Summary
The committee voted unanimously to forward an updated interagency memorandum of understanding that continues coordinated investigations between the Hawaii Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, focusing on drug trafficking, criminal enterprise and related federal prosecution support.
The Committee on Government Operations and External Affairs voted to forward Resolution 104—authorizing the mayor to enter an intergovernmental agreement that updates a memorandum of understanding between the County of Hawai‘i and the Federal Bureau of Investigation—to the full Council with a favorable recommendation by a unanimous vote.
Captain Ed Bighton of the Hawai‘i Police Department’s vice division explained the MOU updates the long‑standing federal‑local collaboration to support investigations and prosecutions of drug trafficking and criminal enterprise groups that operate in and into Hawai‘i. Bighton said FBI support includes investigative analysts, federal prosecutorial coordination, training and other federal resources that assist local narcotics enforcement efforts.
Committee members discussed whether portions of the MOU were confidential and whether questions about specific operational clauses would require executive session. Councilmember Galimba said the document contained “many, specific clauses” and that she did not see a need for executive session for her review. Several members praised HPD’s vice division work and said the MOU’s language appeared to provide protections for county personnel and for appropriate interagency boundaries.
Councilmember Villegas said she supported the MOU, expressing trust in HPD leadership and noting the partnership had produced seizures of illegal narcotics, including fentanyl.
Captain Bighton and West‑side lieutenant Eric Jackson were present to answer operational questions. Committee members voted 9–0 to forward the resolution to the full Council with a favorable recommendation.
Votes at committee: forwarded to full council with a favorable recommendation, 9 in favor, 0 opposed.
