Rodrigues
steps down from
judicial panel

He will not participate on
the panel while facing charges
of skimming $200,000

By Richard Borreca
Star-Bulletin

In the face of federal criminal indictments, Gary Rodrigues, executive director of the United Public Workers, has temporarily stepped down as a member of the state's Judicial Selection Commission.

The move was announced yesterday by David Fairbanks, chairman of the nine-member commission, which screens judicial nominations.

"He said he would not be participating in the selection of judges while he is a defendant," Fairbanks said.

"It is based on his belief that the system of appointing judges is a serious responsibility and must be protected from attacks from everyone," Fairbanks said.

Rodrigues last week was charged by a federal grand jury with skimming more than $200,000 from two union health benefit plans.

The 43-count indictment alleged that Rodrigues and his daughter, Robin Haunani Rodrigues Sabatini, arranged through secret payments to move union payments to companies they owned.

The decision came before the commission could meet on Rodrigues' status amid calls from House and Senate Republicans that Rodrigues, a key Democratic Party operative, step down.

Yesterday, before the decision was announced, House Republicans said that they were not judging the guilt or innocence of Rodrigues, who has run the UPW for nearly 30 years.

"Public confidence in the judicial selection process will be undermined if Mr. Rodrigues continues serving while he awaits trial," said Rep. Galen Fox (R, Waikiki), House GOP leader.

The state's judicial selection panel screens possible judicial nominations and makes selections that are sent to the governor for a final selection.

"The honor of public service will be seriously compromised if someone indicted by a federal grand jury for embezzlement, money laundering and fraud continues to remain in a position to select our state judges," Fox said.

Rodrigues was not available for comment yesterday.