Ewa Villages
probe expands

The city property branch is being
examined, and charges are expected

By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Star-Bulletin

City prosecutors have expanded the scope of investigation into alleged fraud at the Ewa Villages project to include not only relocation funds, but all of the city Housing Department's Property Management Branch.

Meanwhile, a city prosecutor said it appears certain that criminal charges will be filed in what may become the largest case in history involving city fraud.

"There appears to be other avenues and projects that are at least worth looking into," Prosecutor Peter Carlisle said today.

"One of the good things about a case like this is that people are coming forward to give more information."

"We're investigating all projects that were handled by the suspects in the Property Management Branch," said Deputy Prosecutor Randal Lee, lead attorney in the case.

The relocation fund for Ewa Villages grew from $1.2 million in 1992 to $6.3 million in 1997. Besides Ewa Villages, other city projects which involved that branch are West Loch Estates, Harbor Court, Harbor Villages, Kekaulike Courtyards and Kulani Nani.

Also, Lee said, prosecutors are looking at a project on Middle Street and have received information about wrongdoing at Kahuku Villages. "Relocation remains the large part of what we're doing; however, there are other allegations into other areas."

Attorneys from the Corporation Counsel's office have denied the requests of the Star-Bulletin and other media for records involving Ewa Villages and other projects, citing the ongoing investigation.

At least 15 people have been arrested in connection with the case, and all released pending grand jury proceedings.

Lee said more than 50 witnesses have been interviewed and that the list is growing.

"We're pretty sure criminal charges will be brought," he said. "But we want to make sure the investigation is as thorough as possible."