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Big Isle police chief
process blasted

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By Rod Thompson
Big Island correspondent

KEAUHOU-KONA -- People are angry about the process being used to select a new Hawaii County police chief and want the process restarted, several people told the county Police Commission.

"The word on the street, the word that comes to me, is that people are really upset," said County Councilman Curtis Tyler.

"If there is any doubt in your minds, you should just stop right now," he said.

The County Charter gives the commission the responsibility of picking a new chief to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Wayne Carvalho in October.

Yesterday's hearing was one of four to take public comment on the two finalists, acting Chief James Correa and Honolulu Major Robert Prasser. The remaining hearings are Monday in Hilo and Jan. 19 in Kona.

Coffee farmer Sandra Scara said the process has been too secret and clouded by a promotions-cheating scandal connected to Carvalho.

"We have been short-circuited in the decision process," Scara said.

"We cannot at this time in our history afford to have a questionable choice. The process hasn't worked right."

Former policeman Tanny Cazimero, fired from the department last year, accused the commission of already making a decision.

Commissioner Clarence Mills replied that he doesn't know how the others will vote. "I just want to assure you it's not a slam-dunk deal," he said.

County attorney Scott Leithead told Cazimero a blanket condemnation is dangerous. "It's very important that you not paint the whole process with one big brush," he said.

If there are specific legal issues, those can be checked, he said.

Critic Jack Brunton, who took the commission to court once, said he hopes to return to court to contest selection procedures.

Some speakers were irked by the commission's decision -- based on state law -- not to consider out-of-state candidates.

Commissioner Pete Muller was among those saying he disagrees with the law requiring one year of Hawaii residency.

"I was hoping that one of the mainland applicants would have challenged the law. I believe it's unconstitutional," he said.

The candidates were almost forgotten in the arguments over procedures.

While many have said the department needs a change, police chaplain James Ferry said, "Mr. Correa does reflect a change -- not only a change, but it will be a positive change."

Farmer Scara supported Prasser, saying the new chief should hold at least a bachelor's degree.

Prasser holds a master's degree, while Correa is one semester short of a bachelor's degree.