Council backs FBI collaboration to target financial crimes

The Hawaii County Council on Wednesday approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Kimo Alameda to enter into an agreement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Honolulu Division to collaborate on the Hawaii Financial Crimes Task Force.

The resolution passed by a vote of 8-1, with Councilwoman Rebecca Villegas casting the lone “no” vote. Council members now have a five-day grace period to call for a reconsideration. Before it becomes public record, the resolution must be signed by the council chair and the county clerk.

The task force aims to identify and prosecute individuals and groups involved in financial crimes of federal interest. Under the agreement, the Hawaii Police Department will work with the FBI to exchange information and coordinate efforts to protect the community from financial scams and offenses, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations such as seniors.

The council initially voted 9-0 in committee to table Resolution 250-25 before entering an executive session that lasted about an hour. During that session, Villegas raised questions about the legality of the resolution and the broader implications of such agreements.

Following the session, Villegas thanked the county attorneys for helping the council understand the parameters of the memorandum of understanding and providing information about the origin and purpose of MOUs within the county.

Councilman Matt Kaneali‘i-Kleinfelder requested clarification on whether Section 46-7 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes permits the county to enter into agreements. County attorneys confirmed that the statute requires departments and agencies within a county to obtain council approval before entering into any intergovernmental agreement, including those with federal entities.

Councilwoman Jennifer Kagiwada introduced the resolution, which complies with that state law and requires the Hawaii Police Department to submit an annual resolution for council review to continue the cooperation.

Email Daniel Farr at dfarr@hawaiitribune-herald.com.