Ann Botticelli was sworn in as a Honolulu police commissioner after receiving unanimous approval from the Honolulu City Council on Wednesday.
Those who gave testimony were split on the decision.
Most of those who supported Botticelli personally knew her and commended her work ethic and ability to ask hard questions.
Testifiers who opposed the decision criticized Mayor Rick Blangiardi's choice of someone not from a marginalized community.
Councilmember Radiant Cordero oversees District 7, which includes Kalihi. She shared her experience with Botticelli at the council meeting.
"I shared with her my great concerns and what my community wants to see on the police commission. Although she can’t be exactly that person, I asked her to be open. If she could help them fight for our community’s representation in more than just the police commission but all other aspects of our community," Cordero said at the meeting.
The vote was unanimous in favor of Botticelli, with Councilmembers Cordero and Andria Tupola voting with reservations.
Her term on the seven-member commission finishes at the end of 2025.
