The search for the next Hawaii County police chief and the department’s involvement with federal immigration enforcement were the hot topics at a recent Police Commission meeting at the County Council chambers in Hilo.

The search is necessitated by the commission’s acceptance last month of an emailed resignation by Chief Ben Moszkowicz, which he attempted to withdraw, without success. Moszkowicz is still nominally the Big Island’s police chief, but he’s on vacation until Aug. 31, his final day as the island’s top cop. The commission allowed Moszkowicz to remain in the position until month’s end so he can collect a check from the state’s retirement system.

Deputy Chief Reed Mahuna is the acting chief and will become interim chief when Moszkowicz’s exit becomes final and the search begins.

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