Civil Beat’s original lawsuit seeking police disciplinary files has finally come to an end.

The commission, whose reputation has been battered by the recent indictment of its former chair, should stay on top of the process the whole way.

UPDATED: All defendants pleaded not guilty, and a judge allowed their release on unsecured $50,000 bonds.

The union’s newly elected president, Robert Cavaco, criticized the police commission’s decision to hire a consulting firm to help with the search.

It doesn’t appear Hawaii will create an independent agency to investigate police shootings, a step states like Washington have already taken.

Dana Brown’s family is suing the City and County of Honolulu for wrongful death after he was shot and killed by HPD in 2019.

The statewide police union plays an outsized role in everything from police shootings to investigating officer misconduct. But the public is kept in the dark about important issues being negotiated in the contract.

Daniel Sellers was indicted along with the former HPD police chief and his prosecutor wife in 2017. After taking a plea deal, he was fired by the department.

More than 500 complaints were made against HPD employees last year, leading to recommendations for dozens of firings and suspensions.

Interim Chief Rade Vanic told the Honolulu Police Commission that the department will gather data on vehicle pursuits before deciding on any changes.