Marijuana Policy Project

HILO — The Hawaii County Police Commission meeting Tuesday in Hilo was supposed to be about residents commenting on the two candidates seeking to replace retiring Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna.

Instead, many of the people who commented just wanted the commission to be sure whoever it chooses as the next chief abides by the marijuana initiative recently approved by voters.

Deputy Police Chief Harry Kubojiri and retired Police Captain Chadwick "Chad" Fukui are the two candidates the commission is considering as replacements for Mahuna.

There were some people who offered favorable comments for either Fukui and Kubojiri, but many had other issues on their minds.

George "Graywolf" Klare, of Pahoa, told the commission he's an activist for "peace, justice and cannabis" and that he "has no real knowledge" of the two men wanting to be the next chief.

"I want to see a different attitude from police," he said.

"I don't want police to be against me any longer."

Klare and others who testified said they want the Police Department to adhere to the initiative approved on Nov. 4 that, among other things, made enforcement of marijuana on the island the lowest police priority when it involves adult personal use.

Steve Bohlert, a retired United Church of Christ pastor, expressed disappointment in comments made by Mahuna, who said in recent interviews the department plans to change nothing in how it handles marijuana.

"I don't know enough about either candidate for police chief to say which I prefer," Bohlert said. "Will they be supportive of local county law rather than adhere to federal law?"

He said he doesn't want to see the Police Department continue "terroristic war" against residents, "using paramilitary tactics to control citizens of the community who happen to use or grow an herb."

"Now that people have spoken out, police should listen," Bohlert said, adding he wants the commission to ask the candidates questions on how they plan to enforce marijuana laws.

Adam Lehman, director of Project Peaceful Sky, which is the organization that was behind getting the initiative on the ballot, said the commission is "obligated by law" to make sure the ordinance that resulted with the passage of the initiative is followed.

Roger Christie, pastor of the THC Cannabis Ministry in Hilo, expressed concerns about comments made by Kubojiri recently regarding the island's crystal methamphetamine problem.

"He (Kubojiri) said he didn't know where the ice epidemic came from," Christie said, adding he was "astounded" the next potential police chief didn't know the epidemic was caused by stricter enforcement of marijuana laws.

John Rodriguez, a Big Island police officer for 18 years, said he's worked under Kubojiri for 15 years and is confident his integrity and professionalism would serve the county well.

"He stands with us, not only over us," Rodriguez said.

About 50 people signed up to testify Tuesday, and a handful who didn't want to comment in public met with the commission behind closed doors to say their peice.

The commission is scheduled to hear from the public one more time, 2 p.m. Thursday at the Waimea Center Conference Room, before interviewing the two candidates for the job.  A decision is expected by the end of December.