• Keep chief’s selection in hands of public • Disaster warning: Stay calm, don’t hoard
Keep chief’s selection in hands of public
On Sunday, Nov. 29, TGI would write an article titled, “Police chief welcomes constructive criticism.” This was to the annual evaluation of our very fine KPD Chief Darryl Perry. For the first time, and in the 25 years of honorable service of our chief of police, this officer would receive check marks of “Needs Improvement.” At this time, those who issued the low marks, did not step forward and explain why, is my understanding. I was confused. One box marked “Needs Improvement” was to “Understands ramifications of actions to others, etc.” Another was to budgetary issues.
I have worked as an investigator and probation officer, among other things. I have spent several years having been assigned some particularly dangerous locations and “on the front-line.” As Chief Perry took office, I homed a keen seasoned eye, and began to watch quietly. I thought to myself, “Will our new chief of police deliver?” Noticeable changes took place, and Chief Perry honored his word to our community and our officers. Over and again, I ask myself, “How many lives have been saved thanks to the new leadership of Chief Perry?” Consistently, Chief Darryl Perry’s actions indicate that he wisely, and with great concern, understands the ramifications of his actions, and his officers actions’ as well, in any given situation. The much-needed changes Chief Darryl Perry has brought to our KPD are unprecedented. An ethical, smart and wise commander was the requirement — one who has endurance. The order was tall. However, Chief Perry delivered with dignity and grace.
To the review of “Track and adheres to budgetary allocation,” I believe if all agencies and county and state of Hawai‘i departments pulled respective weight and collaboratively, KPD’s budget and manpower would not be subjected to the sometime-unfair strain. I hear too often, “Let KPD handle it; that’s KPD’s job,” and “Did you call KPD?” This passing the buck will dash any healthy police department budget, and is uncomfortably unfair — KPD officers being the most visible in our community, and on the front-line.
I found myself compelled to contact our Office of Boards and Commissions on the performance review of our chief of police. The Office of Boards and Commissions administrator would be good to get back to me, as all that could be offered to me was that this was a matter of executive session.
In a later telephone call to me, it would be expressed that Chief Perry was satisfied with the outcome of his performance reviews, however, no other questions could be answered, as this was a matter of executive session.
I would make a more recent telephone call to our Office of Boards and Commissions inquiring when Chief Darryl Perry’s current contract would end.
I would be informed that it is confidential information as to when our island chief of police employment contract begins and ends. However, I was provided a detailed explanation to the process of contract review by our Police Commission. I left the telephone conversation feeling, again, a bit confused. I am now asking myself, “Had I innocently stepped onto the ‘political football field’ of which recent concerns are being expressed?”
In Mayor Bernard Carvalho’s running campaign, Mayor Carvalho stated to us, “‘Together we can’ means creating an inclusive method of leadership that brings everyone involved together — discussing, creating and realizing our future.” I like this promise Mayor Carvalho made to our community, in his serving our community as mayor. With this type of promise, I say, let’s keep the key to the executive washroom in the hands of the people, and as promised, not in the possible fateful hands of House Bill 2016 and Senate Bill 2177. Do not place in jeopardy the remarkable good that Chief Perry, and others have worked so hard to gift to our community. I believe a potentially dangerous risk is now being run in placing our community safety on the chopping block, and, the right to a local democratic government perhaps compromised, as well.
Deborah Morel, Kapa‘a
Disaster warning: Stay calm, don’t hoard
The morning of the tsunami at first warning people ran out at 6 a.m. to the stores (to buy water and non-perishable foods, etc.) and gas stations was choke with vehicles fueling.
It’s a good idea to have food and water for you and your family. But don’t go overboard (some people had every member of their immediate family with them each buying more than what’s needed). Now a lot of people find themselves with too much extras.
Also, people were fueling up their vehicle(s). Some family has two or more cars and they were there fueling up all of them.
At times like this people should think of just filling up one vehicle for emergency purpose. It is not necessary to fill more than one vehicle. Because if the tsunami struck us hard most of the highways would have been full of debris. Where would one go in their vehicles at that point? And, what would have happened to our emergency vehicles (fire trucks, ambulance, police cars, etc.) if we ran out of gas for them? How would they respond to emergency situations?
On another note, there no need to swear or bad-mouth our peace officers. They are there to keep the traffic flowing in a safe and timely manner. They are just there doing their job.
Next time a tsunami or other disaster warning occurs, be calm and don’t hoard! And don’t contribute to traffic congestion if you don’t have to drive anywhere.
Howard Tolbe, ‘Ele‘ele
