HONOLULU (AP) - The Latest on the Honolulu Police Commission meeting to discuss employment status of Chief Louis Kealoha (all times local):
5:30 p.m.
The chairman of the Honolulu Police Commission promises to announce a decision Friday on Chief Louis Kealoha, who is the target of a federal investigation.
Chairman Max Sword told reporters Wednesday that the commission will reconvene in a closed door meeting Friday. He says after the meeting, the commission will announce its decision.
The commission met behind closed doors Wednesday to discuss Kealoha’s employment status. Kealoha went on paid leave last month after receiving an FBI target letter. A federal grand jury is looking into allegations of civil rights abuses and corruption.
Commissioner Loretta Sheehan said earlier that the commission’s options include suspending Kealoha with or without pay or removing him. Sword declined to say whether those options will be one of the actions they announce on Friday.
Sword says the commission needs more time and more information.
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3:30 p.m.
State Sen. Will Espero is calling on the Honolulu Police Commission to be more transparent in its discussion about Chief Louis Kealoha, who is the target of a federal investigation.
He told the commissioners Wednesday that it’s in the public interest to be more open. He suggests that meetings be held in a bigger, more welcoming space than a small room in police headquarters.
The commission is discussing Kealoha’s employment status Wednesday in an executive session that’s closed to the public.
Kealoha went on paid leave last month after receiving notice he’s the target of the federal investigation. A grand jury is looking into allegations of civil rights abuses and corruption.
Commissioner Loretta Sheehan says the commission’s options include suspending the chief with or without pay or removing him.
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1:30 p.m.
The Honolulu Police Commission is meeting for the first time since Chief Louis Kealoha surrendered his gun and badge and went on paid leave. Kealoha took leave after being notified he’s the target of a federal investigation.
The commission is expected to discuss Kealoha’s status during an executive session Wednesday that’s closed to the public.
The federal investigation began more than a year ago. A federal grand jury is looking into allegations of civil rights abuses and corruption. Last month, Kealoha went on paid leave after receiving an FBI target letter.
The commission’s newest member, retired state Supreme Court Justice Steve Levinson, says he expects Wednesday’s executive session to be an opportunity to consult with attorneys. He says nothing substantive regarding Kealoha’s employment status will happen without a public process.
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