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Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s third candidate for the Honolulu Police Commission, Ann Botticelli, is likely to wonder about her lack of criminal background and her motivation to join the commission by members of the city council as she progresses in the verification process.
Botticelli’s nomination resulted in a more nuanced reaction from community members compared to Blangiardi’s last two nominees, which were widely rejected. His first candidate, Benjamin Mahi, a former Honolulu police officer, withdrew his nomination after questions about being suspended while he was on duty. The council turned down Blangiardi’s second candidate, Larry Ignas, after denying the existence of racism in Hawaii.
Of the 26 written testimony submitted on Botticelli’s nomination presented at the city council meeting on Wednesday, eight were in favor and five were against. The other 13 did not support or refuse her nomination, but asked questions about their motivation to sit on the police commission, their lack of criminal justice experience, and their position on racial inequality for indigenous Hawaiians, Pacific islanders, and black communities.
Angelica Preciliano, a District 1 resident, was one of the many Witnesses who inquired about these qualifications.
“How can the public be confident that they have a thorough understanding of the racial and wealth inequalities involved in Honolulu policing without personal or direct experience?” She asked.
“I hope that you will ensure that the next member of the Honolulu Police Commission is someone who understands the needs of our community and the impact the police have on the black community, colored communities, and the people of Hawaii.”
Witnesses also questioned Botticelli’s ability to make decisions against the city administration as she is a vocal supporter of Blangiardi.
Botticelli stressed the need to be impartial on different sides in order to build a bridge between law enforcement and the community.
âWhat I was taught as a journalist from the start was to look for every perspective,â she said.
âThere are many perspectives. Your job is to go out and find them, listen and try to understand them. It was a very important early education for me that has accompanied me for the rest of my career. “
She acknowledged that she has no background in criminal justice and is not a member of any marginalized community in Hawaii. However, she said she experienced forms of racism during her college years in the mainland and has compassion for those who experience it.
“I believe I have the heart and the background to ask questions that need to be asked to try to encourage the department, if necessary, to see if there are any systemic errors that need to be addressed,” said you .
“To see if training is needed to work with the community to find the best way to overcome this lack of trust between communities.”
A resident of Kailua, Botticelli spent 22 years as a print and television reporter before joining the executive boards of Communications Pacific, Kamehameha Schools and Hawaiian Airlines.
She has also served on several boards, including the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, a social justice group; and currently serves on the boards of Teach for America Hawaii, Bishop Museum, and the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
Those who support Botticelli knew her personally and professionally and emphasized her achievements and skills that would make them an asset to the Commission.
Blangiardi was disappointed with many statements at the council meeting that challenged his choice to nominate Botticelli.
“Your intellect, your reasoning, your passion, I could just talk about all the good things,” he said.
âHearing what I just had to hear was unjustified. I’m trying now to be fair and reasonable and not angry at what I had to listen to, but I realize that this is the process. “
Council member Esther Kiaaina also spoke out in favor of Botticelli’s nomination.
“I see her as a friend and ally on social justice issues, be it Native Hawaiian rights, domestic violence, women’s empowerment, education for underserved communities, or homelessness,” she said.
Botticelli’s nomination was referred to the Public Safety Committee, where Committee Chair Heidi Tsuneyoshi said she would look forward to addressing community concerns. The next public safety committee will meet on July 21st.
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