Ann Botticelli is moving further in her confirmation process to the Honolulu Police Commission, a seven-member body nominated by Honolulu mayors and confirmed by the Honolulu City Council.
Botticelli is a retired public relations professional who served in executive positions at Hawaiian Airlines and Kamehameha Schools. Nominated by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, she appeared for her first confirmation hearing before the full City Council on Wednesday.
Testifiers supporting Botticelli’s appointment commend her professional experience and communications skills.
Dee Jay Mailer worked as a former Chief Executive Officer of Kamehameha Schools and testified in support of Botticelli's nomination.
"Confident in her profession as a strategist and multifaceted communications expert. Ann has strong abilities to galvanize diverse people in communities, finding common grounds in admission and purpose, and allowing flexibility on method," she said in front of the full City Council.
Opposing voices expressed disappointment in the mayor’s decision to not appoint someone from a marginalized community.
Honolulu resident Cathy Lee testified at Wednesday’s City Council meeting, sharing her concerns on Botticelli’s ability to be transparent with police complaints.
"During your time at Kamehameha Schools, there was a sexual assault incident involving students. When asked by the Honolulu Advertiser why the school hasn't filed a report to the authorities, your response was, 'If there were a mandatory reporting requirement for the situation, we would have followed it.' There was a mandatory reporting requirement but that’s not the point of my concern at this time," Lee stated.
She continued, "My question isn’t about the specificity of the law. Whether or not reporting was mandatory, one would hope that someone in your position would understand that ethically, an adult or authoritative figure is bound to report and take action on behalf of the child."
Botticelli will next appear before the Public Safety Committee in two weeks for further discussion.
Blangiardi’s previous police commission nominee Larry Ignas withdrew his nomination last month after his statements on racial discrimination came under fire.
