Alleged violations cost a Big Island public safety employee a hefty fine

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The highest ranking state sheriff on the Big Island has agreed to pay a $6,000 fine for two alleged ethics violations.

The state Ethics Commission says Lt. Patrick Kawai and a number of other public safety employees received extra pay for an eviction case and for helping with a physical agility test for recruits.

The exercise was scheduled for 12 hours but ended early. That same year, he and nine other sheriffs allegedly collected 10 hours of pay for an eviction that took less time.

The number of people involved reportedly pushed up the fine.

Lieutenant Kawai was also disciplined by the department but kept his rank and position.

No other employee was disciplined and no other violation was investigated.

Alleged violations cost a Big Island public safety employee a hefty fine

Most Read

Manhunt continues for ‘armed and dangerous’ suspect in shooting that left 2 dead, 2 injured

Unattended death investigation launched after body found in grassy median in Waikiki

The federal government is headed into a shutdown. What does it mean, who’s hit and what’s next?

15 years have passed since Marlo Moku went missing, but loved ones aren’t giving up hope

Hawaii County police chief: Officers fatally shoot man who fired ‘indiscriminately’ on them