The outgoing director of the Department of Law Enforcement has no intention to serve as deputy police chief for the time being.
Mike Lambert was one of three finalists under consideration for the role of chief of the Honolulu Police Department. But despite endorsements by Gov. Josh Green and the vast majority of the State of Hawai‘i Organization of Police Officers, the Honolulu Police Commission voted on Wednesday to appoint David Lazar, formerly of the San Francisco Police Department, to the role.
The seven-person commission cast five votes for Lazar, and two for Lambert.
While Lambert told media Friday that he has made his peace with the commission’s decision, and still intends to rejoin HPD this year after leaving DLE, he said he doesn’t plan to serve as Lazar’s deputy for the foreseeable future, if Lazar were to offer the role.
“I think the deputy chief has to be in absolute alignment and be willing to defend the character … as well as the vision of the chief, and I’m just getting to know him,” Lambert said.
Lambert said he might reconsider taking the deputy role in a few years “if [he believes] in his vision and what he’s doing, but it’s not a position you should take unless you can look him in the eye and say that.”
One of the largest differences of opinion between Lambert and Lazar was their opinion on Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Lazar took a hardline stance against HPD ever collaborating with ICE, mirroring a non-cooperation policy held at SFPD, while Lambert said a police chief “can’t say never.”
Whether that difference of opinion played a major role in the commission’s decision, Lambert couldn’t speculate — he said “there were questions about [his] professional development and lack thereof.” However, he said Lazar will have a “steep climb” in winning the support of HPD and the community.
‘Ewa Beach Rep. Kurt Fevella spoke Friday in front of the Honolulu Police Department against Lazar’s hiring.
“We should be hiring from within and working with … the talent we have here,” Fevella said. “We hire people that’s retired to come here and get a job, and he’s going to be vested for a whole five years. And then he says he’s going to ‘help us.’ Help us, train people so we can hire no more outsiders.”
Fevella called the commission’s decision a “slap in the face … and a kick between the legs” of the Hawai‘i community.
Lambert said he believes many in the community are frustrated that their voices are not being heard. While he said he hopes HPD officers will give Lazar a chance, he added that many officers are concerned about policies at SFPD — such as the ICE policy or the elimination of cash bail — being echoed here.
“I do think he’s coming from a good place,” Lambert said, explaining that Lazar called him the day after the commission’s decision. “I think that he’s sincere and it’s just a matter of being able to deliver the things that the community wants.”
For the time being, Lambert will return to work as an HPD officer — starting over at the bottom of the ladder as a beat cop, he said.
While Lambert said he hopes to be allowed to test for a lieutenant rank when he rejoins, he added that he’s won HPD’s sergeant of the year, lieutenant of the year and manager of the year, but never HPD’s officer of the year.
“So I’ll see if I can win that next year,” Lambert joked.
However, Lambert said he doesn’t think he’ll run for chief a third time, having been passed over four years ago and again this year.
“I put my family through this twice,” Lambert said. “Part of me feels very selfish for doing that.”
And, Lambert hinted that he has other job offers waiting in the wings. Once he finishes the five more years he needs to secure his retirement benefits, he said he “definitely [wants] to spread [his] wings and help the community in other ways.”
Lambert repeatedly thanked his family, Green and everyone who supported him through the selection process.
So far, Lambert’s last day at DLE and first day back at HPD have not been determined. He has recommended that Jared Redulla, Deputy Director at DLE, take his place upon his departure.
