In recent developments in Hawai‘i, there’s significant public concern regarding government accountability and the use of taxpayer funds after two former high-ranking city officials faced legal issues tied to high-profile corruption cases.
Former Corporation Counsel Donna Leong and former Honolulu Police Commission chair Max Sword pleaded guilty in March to misdemeanor conspiracy charges, surrounding a contentious $250,000 payoff to former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha.
The arrangement occurred while Kealoha was under federal investigation for public corruption.
Both Leong and Sword are required to repay $100,000 each in restitution to the city, while former Managing Director Roy Amemiya, who reached a different legal arrangement allowing for charge dismissal, must repay $50,000.
However, a recent turn of events revealed that Honolulu City Council members are preparing to confirm additional payments for the legal defense of Leong and Sword, totaling $102,000 for Leong and $105,000 for Sword.
Such payments, which the taxpayers are footing, go beyond the anticipated $100,000 each for their legal fees, leading to questions about transparency and responsible governance in handling taxpayer resources.
Council members Andria Tupola and Radiant Cordero have raised concerns about this decision, pointing out that the public is essentially subsidizing the legal troubles of officials embroiled in a scandal involving taxpayer funds.
In light of these developments, the reiteration that Kealoha, despite his requirement to repay the money after potential conviction, has yet to do so raises further eyebrows about the integrity of the city’s handling of these funds.
These events exemplify a concerning cycle where officials who mishandled public funds face minimal consequences, which in turn does little to deter future misconduct within the public sector.
In parallel, another significant leadership shift is unfolding in the Hawai‘i police force following the proposal by Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi to replace current police chief Joe Logan with Hawai‘i County Police Chief Ben Moszkowicz.
Moszkowicz, who had previously been a finalist for the Honolulu chief position, formally expressed his interest in the interim role but stepped into a controversial situation as Blangiardi publicly advertised his intentions.
After Moszkowicz’s formal application and his resignation from the Hawai‘i Police Commission, the commission ironically opted to select Deputy Chief Rade Vanic as Logan’s interim successor, specifying Vanic’s intention to apply for the permanent position.
Upon learning he was no longer in the running for the role, Moszkowicz attempted to rescind his resignation, but the commission showed reluctance to re-accept him, leaving him in an ambiguous and precarious position.
A special meeting of the Hawai‘i Police Commission, scheduled for July 10, aims to clarify Moszkowicz’s status and intentions, though the situation presents a complex landscape for leadership within the department.
In a heartfelt message posted on the Hawai‘i Police Department’s Facebook page, Chief Ben conveyed his regret over recent developments that have caused confusion.
He expressed commitment to the community, highlighting past achievements and promising to strengthen community relations despite recent tribulations.
Chief Ben’s dedication to modern policing strategies and innovative leadership points to the potential for positive change in law enforcement, should the opportunity arise in a leadership capacity elsewhere.
As the governance landscape undergoes scrutiny, public transparency efforts have also gained traction, showcasing strides towards improved ethical standards in lobbying practices.
A recent 2023 bill mandated more detailed disclosures from lobbying organizations regarding the specific legislation they are attempting to influence.
The passage of this legislation occurred after significant reflections on ethical standards in governance, triggered by corruption convictions involving two lawmakers.
Research from the University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization revealed preliminary findings based on these new disclosures, and the Ethics Commission has synthesized these findings into illustrative charts.
These visual representations shed light on which lobbying organizations exerted the most influence in the recent legislative session, enhancing the public’s ability to hold entities accountable and reinforce transparency.
In a noteworthy transition, the East-West Center, focusing on international relations from its base in Hawai‘i, recently appointed Celeste Connors as its new president.
Connors, a former U.S. Foreign Service Officer and previous CEO of Hawai‘i Green Growth, steps in at a challenging time for the 65-year-old institution, which faces budget constraints intensified during prior federal administrations.
Her leadership begins amidst varied expectations for the center’s direction, as notable changes unfold within the landscape of public administration and governance in Hawai‘i.
Overall, these events serve as reminders of the ongoing discussions about accountability, ethical leadership, and the continuous efforts towards transparent governance within the state.
image source from：civilbeat
