HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaii County Police Commission interviewed eight finalists for permanent police chief Wednesday, five months after former chief Ben Moszkowicz was forced to resign after applying to be Honolulu’s chief.
The eight finalists include the department’s current interim chief and assistant chief, along with six candidates from departments outside Hawaii. The commission asked each candidate the same 10 questions, including whether they would allow their department to assist with federal immigration enforcement.
Candidates oppose immigration enforcement role
All candidates said they would not involve the department in federal immigration enforcement, citing concerns about community trust.
“The short answer is I wouldn’t,” said Paul Yang, a retired lieutenant from the San Diego Police Department. “When our diverse community fears that reporting crimes, simple crimes, are seeking, would trigger immigration consequences, we undermine that very foundation of public trust and safety that protects us all.”…