Kauai chief’s LIHUE >> Many Kauai residents remained bewildered yesterday over the sudden apparent suspension of Kauai Police Chief George Freitas while officials from Mayor Maryanne Kusaka's office spent the day creating a thicker smokescreen.
status still unclear
Officials refuse to say why
Police Chief Freitas is on leaveBy Anthony Sommer
tsommer@starbulletin.com"I've worked with Chief Freitas for three years and I believe he's a good man," said Councilman Gary Hooser, who chairs the Council's Public Safety Committee. "I haven't been told anything about what's going on."
Sources said the Kauai Police Commission on Friday recommended Kusaka place Freitas on administrative leave and that he be investigated for allegedly hindering a police investigation of an officer.
The sources said Freitas met with the mayor Monday afternoon after returning from the mainland and that he was placed on leave with pay.
Mayoral spokeswoman Beth Tokioka refused for a second day to say whether Freitas had been suspended or was under investigation.
She would only repeat that Deputy Chief Wilfred Ihu is now running the department. Ihu, however, suffered a family tragedy on Monday when his 20-year-old daughter died. He was not at work yesterday.
All questions about Freitas' legal status were handed to the County Attorney's Office. County Attorney Hartwell Blake, who is legal counsel to the Police Commission and who attended Friday's meeting, is on a fishing trip to Alaska.
The County Charter gives the Police Commission the power to hire and fire the police chief but not to suspend him pending an investigation. County officials continued to insist yesterday that Freitas was not under suspension but was on "administrative leave."
Similarly, the charter gives the commission the power to conduct investigations but no means to do so. The commission's entire staff consists of two secretaries, who work directly for Freitas.
Police Commission Chairwoman Irene "Dede" Wilhelm was off the island yesterday and unavailable for comment, a member of her family said.
Sources said the complaint against Freitas was filed by two senior members of the department, an inspector and a lieutenant. Both the officials refused to comment yesterday.
KITV said the complaint against Freitas alleged the chief attempted to squelch an investigation of Officer Nelson Gabriel, who is scheduled to go on trial next month on 20 felony charges stemming from allegations he had a long-term sexual relationship with a girl younger than 14.
Gabriel was indicted in 1999 and has been free ever since after posting bail. He has not been working as a police officer and the charges do not involve conduct while he was on duty with the Police Department.
Gabriel's attorney, Michael Green of Honolulu, said he is totally bewildered by the charge. "I can't find anything to indicate anyone was trying to influence the investigation," Green said.
Kauai County
