Honolulu Police Commission nominee to face questions posed by community

Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s third nominee for the Honolulu Police Commission, Ann Botticelli, likely will face questions regarding her lack of criminal justice background and motivation to be on the commission by City Council members as she advances in the confirmation process.

Botticelli’s nomination drew a more nuanced response from community members in comparison with Blangiardi’s past two nominees who were widely opposed. His first nominee, Benjamin Mahi, a former Honolulu police officer, withdrew his nomination after questions were raised about a suspension while he was on the force. The Council rejected Blangiardi’s second nominee, Larry Ignas, after he denied the existence of racism in Hawaii.

Of the 26 written testimonies submitted regarding Botticelli’s nomination, which was introduced at the City Council meeting on Wednesday, eight were in support and five were in opposition. The other 13 did not support or oppose her nomination, but asked questions about her motivations to be on the Police Commission, her lack of criminal justice experience and her position on racial inequality for Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander and Black communities.

Angelica Preciliano, a resident of District 1, was one of the many testifiers who inquired about these qualifications.

“How can the public trust that she will thoroughly understand the racial and wealth inequalities in Honolulu policing without personal or direct experience?” she asked.

“I hope that you will ensure that the next member of Honolulu Police Commission is someone who understand the needs of our community and the impact policing has on black community, communities of color and the people of Hawaii.”

Testifiers also questioned Botticelli’s ability to make decisions against the city administration, as she is a vocal supporter of Blangiardi.

Botticelli emphasized the need to impartially consider different sides to build a bridge between law enforcement and the community.

“What I was taught to do, from my very early days as a journalist, was to seek out every perspective,” she said.

“There are many perspectives out there. Your job is to go out and find them and to listen and to try to understand. That was really important early learning for me, and it stuck with me through the rest of my career.”

She did acknowledge her lack of criminal justice background and that she is not a member of a marginalized community in Hawaii. However, she said that she experienced forms of racism during her years in college on the mainland and has compassion for those who experience that.

“I do believe that I have the heart and background to ask questions that need to be asked to try to guide, to encourage the department if need be, to look to see if there are systemic failures that need to be addressed,” she said.

“To look to see if there is training that needs to be done, to work together with the community to find the best way to bridge this lack of trust between the communities.”

Botticelli is a resident of Kailua and spent 22 years as a print and television reporter before becoming part of the executive leadership for Communications Pacific, Kamehameha Schools and Hawaiian Airlines.

She also has served on several boards, including the Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice, a social justice group; and currently serves on the boards for Teach for America Hawaii, Bishop Museum and the Polynesian Voyaging Society.

Those who testified in support of Botticelli knew her personally and professionally and emphasized her accomplishments and abilities that would make her an asset to the commission.

Blangiardi was disappointed by much of the testimony at the Council meeting, which questioned his choice to nominate Botticelli.

“Her intellect, her reasoning, her passion, I could just go on about all the good stuff,” he said.

“Listening to what I just had to listen to was unwarranted. I’m trying now to be fair, reasonable and not angry over what I’ve had to listen to, but I realize that’s the process.”

Council member Esther Kiaaina also voiced her support for Botticelli’s nomination.

“I consider her a friend, as well as an ally in social justice causes whether it be for Native Hawaiian rights, domestic violence, the empowerment of women, educational teaching opportunities for underserved communities or homelessness,” she said.

Botticelli’s nomination was referred to the Public Safety Committee, where committee Chairwoman Heidi Tsuneyoshi said she would be looking forward to addressing community concerns. The next Public Safety Committee meets July 21.