Reports of
inmate abuse
spur Senate
investigation

Public Safety officials say
they welcome the inquiry

By Pat Omandam
Star-Bulletin

The Senate Judiciary Committee hopes people will come forward when it begins a probe next spring into alleged abuse by guards at Halawa Prison, said the co-chairman of the committee.

That's just fine with Public Safety officials, who welcome the investigation.

Sen. Matt Matsunaga (D, Kahala-Palolo) said today he hopes to complete an investigation during the 1999 Legislative session into allegations of abuse of prisoners, with enough time left to draft any legislation that may be needed to correct any problems discovered.

Matsunaga said the probe -- which Gov. Ben Cayetano announced yesterday -- is based on an article written by Robert Rees of the Honolulu Weekly. He said Rees' compilation of several cases of prisoner abuse prompted the investigation. Both Matsunaga and co-chairman Avery B. Chumbley (D, East Maui-North Kauai) also appeared on Rees' television talk show to discuss the issue.

"I think what our committee can do is to bring a fair, impartial and open hearing to the process, to look into these allegations and allow all sides to present their views and explanations," Matsunaga said.

Public Safety spokesman Ted Sakai said today Kaneshiro welcomes any probe that can expose wrongdoings in his department.

Matsunaga said the committee will likely ask the full Senate for subpoena powers in its investigation.

Meanwhile, Oahu Community Correctional Center Warden Nolan Espinda has completed his investigation into last month's escape of inmates Cy Kaina, 21, and Jeffrey Pinero, 26. The two fled on July 26 after they beat a guard with mops and a sock stuffed with a billiard ball and stole his keys.

Espinda said at least three corrections officers face possible punishment ranging from oral reprimand to suspension. He said a guard has admitted that he made a mistake in unlocking the door to the inmates' cell.

Also facing possible discipline are whoever left banned screwdrivers and pliers inside a locked cabinet, and tower guards who failed to see the inmates climbing fences to escape.

The report will be sent to a hearings officer who will determine any disciplinary action. Espinda said he has removed the pool tables and added a third row of razor wire to improve security.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.