2026-06-25 Public Safety & Economy

The Honolulu City Council's Public Safety and Economy Committee convened on June 25, 2026, to discuss two main agenda items. First, the council accepted a $3,700 gift in the form of animal feed from Asagi Hatchery Incorporated to support the Honolulu Zoo, highlighting the cost savings this donation provides to the city's budget. Second, the committee received a detailed briefing from the Honolulu Police Commission regarding the professional selection process for the new Honolulu Police Department chief. The commission engaged a consulting firm, PSSC, to assist with the recruitment, which included developing an RFP, soliciting proposals, and conducting a thorough multi-phase evaluation involving community stakeholders, city officials, and department members. The process culminated in selecting David Lazar as the new chief. Council members discussed the inclusiveness of the process, particularly the extent of rank-and-file officer input, and emphasized the importance of transparency and community engagement in future leadership decisions. No direct contract awards or budget allocations were made during this meeting, but the discussion on the police chief selection process involved procurement of consulting services for executive search.