Alleged slap leads
to cop’s suspension
HILO >> A Hawaii County police officer accused of slapping his 15-year-old daughter in the face has been suspended.
Assistant Police Chief Charles Chai confirmed an officer was under investigation for child abuse, but would not identify him.
The alleged abuse was reported to police at 2:30 p.m. Thursday from Hilo High School, where police say a 15-year-old girl was taken into protective custody. Chai said it is standard for a child to be taken into protective custody in a case of possible abuse by a parent.
"They will be separated, put into a foster home, until the investigation determines that is safe to return home," he said.
The officer has been suspended without pay for 30 days, though that suspension could be suspended, Chai said.
If the abuse allegations are substantiated, Chai said, the case will be forwarded to the Prosecutor's Office, which will decide whether to charge the officer.
The internal police investigation will take one to three months before it goes before an administrative review board for action, Chai said.