A Message from Acting Chief Cary Okimoto

February 10, 2017

To the Men and Women of HPD,

Several bills relating to police misconduct and the release of police information were introduced during the current legislative session. Without exception, these bills push for greater disclosure of disciplinary information, including the names of disciplined officers.

After reviewing all of the bills, the department has chosen to support Senate Bill No. 424 and House Bill No. 456. If passed, the companion bills would require that the names of officers who have been suspended twice within a five-year period be included in the HPD's annual disciplinary report to the Legislature. We believe that this is fair.

As your chief, I remain committed to protecting employee rights. At the same time, I also understand the need to build and maintain public trust. Providing more information to the public, including information on officer misconduct, is necessary for the community to have confidence in its police department.

For many of us, this is a major shift in perspective. However, a shift is necessary if we are to serve our community effectively and justly in the future. I ask for your support as the HPD joins police departments across the nation in promoting greater police transparency and accountability.

Thank you all for your hard work and continued support. Remember to look out for one another and be safe.

Aloha,

Acting Chief Cary Okimoto

KHON: HPD acting chief supports public naming of officers suspended for misconduct

PDF: Original Letter

SB424: Text, Status

HB456: Text, Status