On September 3, 2025, Detective Travis T. Kurahone requested legal counsel in connection with a civil action filed against him by Officer Kelsey Messmer for an incident that occurred in July 2020 (No. 1CCV-24-1785). The Honolulu Police Commission discussed the request in executive session at its November 5 meeting.
On November 21, the Commission informed Detective Kurahone by letter that it would hold a contested case hearing on his request. The Commission held a public contested case hearing on January 7, 2026.
On January 14 and 16, Public First requested records concerning Detective Kurahone’s contested case proceeding. And on February 11, based on observations of the contested case proceeding, Public First provided the Commission suggestions on conducting contested case proceedings.
On March 5, the Commission provided redacted records responsive to the January request. On April 3, Public First informed the Commission that the records were improperly redacted.
On April 7, the Commission sent Detective Kurahone a Decision and Order denying his request for legal counsel.
On April 29, the Commission provided Public First less redacted records concerning Detective Kurahone’s contested case proceeding.
- March 5 Notice to Requester with documents
- April 29 Notice to Requester with documents
On May 1, the Commission identified errors in the original letter sent to Detective Kurahone regarding documents available for his review before the proceeding. The Commission pointed instead to the following documents that should have been listed in its letter.
- HPD Form 195, Request No. 2025-42
- Return and Acknowledgement of Service for Kelsey C. Mesmer v. City & County of Honolulu, Civ. No. 1CCV-24-1785
- Complaint Referral, PSO No. 20-0567
- Administrative Investigation regarding Travis Kurahone, PSO No. 20-0667
- Character Reference Letter from Lt. Deena Thoemmes, dated December 24, 2025