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Former Maui cop
files 2nd suit
against county

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By Debra Barayuga
Star-Bulletin

A female Maui police officer who reached an out-of-court settlement in May 1999 with the county over claims of sexual harassment and discrimination is suing the county again for failing to live up to terms of the settlement and retaliating against her for her initial complaint.

Malia Chun claimed she was forced to resign from the department in October 1992. Under the settlement, Maui County agreed to pay Chun $240,000 and give her a job as a building inspector within 30 days.

The county "almost immediately" began to renege by offering her a position of zoning inspector which paid less and was only a temporary position, according to the suit filed yesterday in U.S. District Court.

Although Chun was eventually offered a position as a prosecutor investigator five months later, the county refused to pay her and she began suffering harassment and retaliation because of her initial complaint, the suit says.

Although her position required contact with the police department, her movement was restricted and she was told she would need permission before calling for backup in trouble situations, the suit said.

Chun received notice she was being terminated at the end of February after she left early from a Jan. 27 meeting held by her supervisor to discuss her job restrictions.

"Repetitive insubordination," and other untrue and inaccurate reasons were given for her firing, the suit said.

Maui County attorneys could not be reached immediately for comment.