Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Litigation Settlement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council accepts corporation counsel recommendation on litigation; amendment to require immediate HPD policy adoption fails
Summary
After an executive session on two civil cases, the council voted to accept corporation counsel's recommendation. A proposed amendment to the recommendation that would have required the Hawaii Police Department to immediately adopt procedures to comply with HRS 134‑7.3 failed (2‑5); the main recommendation was approved (6‑1, two absent).
The Hawaii County Council met in executive session on Feb. 18 to consult with corporation counsel on two civil matters (communications 726 and 727). After confidential discussion, the council returned to open session and took public action on the corporation counsel’s recommendation.
Council member Klinefelter moved an amendment asking that any settlement include a requirement that the Hawaii Police Department immediately adopt procedures necessary to comply with HRS 134‑7.3. The motion drew debate about whether a settlement document was the proper venue to mandate departmental policy and whether budgetary and implementation details belonged in a separate legislative or administrative process. Council members Kalimba, Kaguata and others said they preferred pursuing departmental or budgetary action through ordinary legislative channels rather than attaching operational requirements to a settlement.
The amendment to add an immediate HPD compliance requirement failed on roll‑call (2 in favor, 5 opposed, 2 absent). The council then voted to accept the corporation counsel’s recommendation on the primary matter; that motion carried with six votes in favor and one opposed (Council member Kylie Kleinfelder voted no), with two members absent.
What this means: The council accepted counsel’s recommended approach to the litigation matter on the record. A separate motion to require immediate operational changes in the Hawaii Police Department was considered and rejected; council members said they may pursue policy or budget options in the appropriate venues.
