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The Big Island may not get a new police chief for months, if its police commission follows the opinion of the county's newly appointed head civil lawyer. Big Island
lawyer says no
rush for top copCorporation Counsel Lincoln
Ashida says selection must be openStar-Bulletin staff
"Personally, I don't see a pressing need for that to happen immediately," said Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida, who was appointed Dec. 20.
Ashida sent a letter Friday advising the commission chairman, Wilfred Okabe, to put off the vote for a new police chief until Mayor Harry Kim appoints two new commissioners.
It is more important to pay attention to the openness of the selection process, for which the newly elected mayor has been pushing, he said.
Ashida also recommended waiting for Commissioner Phoebe Lambeth to return from vacation in March, so that she may vote.
If Lambeth were to vote by proxy, "it would be repugnant to the ideals of open government," Ashida wrote to Okabe.
Ashida said he was not asked to give his opinion by anyone.
"It's my responsibility as legal advisor," Ashida said.
The new charter amendments recently passed will provide for Hawaii County police commissioners to represent districts of the county. Kim likely will consult with county council members to make the selections, Ashida said.