LIHUE — The Kauai Police Department has started its 84th Police Academy with nine recruits, just as 19 cadets from the 83rd class are set for a graduation ceremony on July 12. Chief of Police Darryl Perry said at the
LIHUE — The Kauai Police Department has started its 84th Police Academy with nine recruits, just as 19 cadets from the 83rd class are set for a graduation ceremony on July 12.
Chief of Police Darryl Perry said at the Kauai Police Commission meeting Friday the 19 cadets bring the department numbers up to strength.
“We are looking good in terms of filling vacancies,” Perry said.
Perry said the investigation is ongoing regarding an alleged physical altercation involving several individuals that may have occurred late night on June 23 at Polihale State Park. Police are asking any victims to come forward in order to determine if the event involved assault, theft, use of weapons, alcohol consumption and possible injuries.
“We are continuing to investigate and interview reluctant victims and witnesses,” Perry said. “We are slowly getting to the bottom of this and are conducting the investigation accordingly.”
Commissioner Bradley Chiba said witnesses are reluctant to come forward, and encouraged anyone with information to call KPD (241-1711) or the CrimeStoppers hotline (241-1887) if they want to remain anonymous. He discouraged anyone from calling to give opinions on the matter or to repeat any rumors they may have heard.
“Call to report what you saw and not what was told to you and what you heard,” Chiba said. “This incident is splitting the community apart and regardless of what happens, there will be a negative impact.”
Westside resident Kamuela Chandler sent photos to The Garden Island on Friday, claiming to show a large pile of trash that was left by the group of alleged victims of violence.
“This trash was sprawled over the area they were at and then left there for (the) west Kauai community to clean up, which we did,” said Chandler.
KPD Officers for the month for June include Dustin Broad, Bruce Nance and Troy Sakaguchi.
The commendation was read by Sgt. Jesse Guirao, who said the three officers responded to a call about copper theft at a Lihue business on May 12. In a coordinated effort, Guirao said the officers apprehended the suspect and the arrest produced more charges of drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Police Commission Chair James O’Connor noted that a complaint filed against a police officer was sustained following an investigation. It will be forwarded to the police chief for further review.
The complaint was filed on April 19 and alleges a conflict of interest when the officer wrote the police report for a two-car accident that involved two members of the officer’s family. Based on findings, the commission found there was sufficient information to prove the allegations and the complaint was sustained.
The results of two other complaints filed in April were not sustained for insufficient evidence. One complaint alleged unnecessary action and roughness by an officer. The other accused an officer of being rude and for failing to obtain a complainant’s statement.
Both complaints were forwarded to the Office of the Chief for further review and investigation if necessary.
The Commission went into executive session to discuss a complaint filed on May 30. It alleges an officer was unprofessional by harassing and making threats toward the complainant. Other closed session matter included the ongoing legal matter regarding a Declaratory Action to determine the powers of the mayor and the powers of the Police Commission.
The next public Police Commission meeting is at 9 a.m., July 26, at the Moikeha Building Meeting Room 2 A/B.
