Posted on: Friday, August 27, 2004

EDITORIAL
Focus on openness a priority for chief

For the citizens of Honolulu, it is extra reassuring that the Honolulu Police Department had many fully qualified candidates to be the next chief of police.

Police Commission Chairman Ronald Taketa said the four finalists — Glen Kajiyama, Donna Anderson, Susan Ballard and Boisse Correa — were all up to, and could have handled, the job.

The choice eventually went to Correa, a veteran who has served in virtually all sections of the department and who has been the point man on a number of high-profile difficult assignments for the force.

In a department known more for its reclusiveness than for its public relations ability, Correa has been an unusually visible "face" of the department on numerous occasions.

Praise for his selection was almost universal, although the ACLU did complain that Correa was in charge of particularly tight security arrangements for the meeting of the Asian Development Bank here in 2001.

We were among those who also thought the balance between free speech and freedom of assembly and security tipped a bit too far toward security. But we recognize that the ADB meeting came on the heels of the riotous World Trade Organization gathering in Seattle where police were roundly criticized for not being well enough prepared for the protests and riots that ensued.

Correa's academic record is impressive, with advanced degrees or certificates in both social work and management. Indeed, he was Honolulu's Manager of the Year in 2003.

Particularly heartening is Correa's long record of community involvement. He frequently represents the department at public functions and is often called upon to speak for the police before the news media.

It is our hope that Correa, who is obviously comfortable in that role, will lead his department to a culture of greater openness and communication with the public.

The HPD is widely recognized as one of the best in the country. It has received more than its share of awards and commendations. But too often, the department has left the impression it can go about its business with, at best, minimal explanation to the public.

Correa has it within his abilities and authority to change that approach. We wish him a successful, accomplished and open administration.