The Honolulu Police Commission gave Chief Boisse Correa high marks for his performance last year and will start negotiations with him for a new contract.

Commission Chairwoman Christine Camp said the board voted unanimously yesterday to give Correa an “;exemplary”; rating, the highest possible, in his annual evaluation.

The evaluation covers 18 areas of his performance in 2008 and rates his management skills, leadership qualities and relationship with the commission.

“;He's accomplished a lot,”; Camp said. “;We have a terrific department that is second to none in the United States.”;

Camp said the commission did not look at a police union survey that showed many officers do not approve of Correa's performance.

She said the survey may be considered as the commission looks at a new contract and new goals for the next chief.

The commission met for about two hours behind closed doors to discuss the chief's evaluation. Correa thanked and praised the commission and the department during the public portion of the meeting, but declined to speak to reporters later.

Correa's five-year contract for his $136,236 a year job expires in August.

Correa has not said publicly if he is interested in continuing as the leader of the police force or if he would serve a full five-year term.

Camp said the City Charter requires the commission to look for a chief who will serve five years.

Asked if the evaluation is an indication of whether the chief would get a new contract, Camp replied, “;It says a lot.”;