HPD vehicle
purchases questioned

Investigators look into
allegations of kickbacks

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By Debra Barayuga
dbarayuga@starbulletin.com

An investigation into the Honolulu Police Department's vehicle maintenance section is also looking into allegations of kickbacks involving the department's purchase of its fleet of three-wheeled Go-4s.

The Go-4s cost the department between $22,000 and $24,000 apiece. They were purchased in 1993 to replace the older, four-wheeled Cushmans.

Michelle Yu, HPD spokeswoman, said the allegations were part of the same investigation involving the purchase of overpriced auto parts, so HPD is aware of the investigation but cannot comment on it at this time.

The department's Go-4s, which are heavily used in Waikiki and Downtown, are back on the road after being grounded for nearly a month beginning in late May, Yu said.

Police Chief Lee Donohue had the entire fleet pulled off the road in part because of safety concerns after an officer was slightly injured in an accident involving the Go-4.

The vehicles have since been outfitted with new suspensions, and no problems have been reported, Yu said.

Manufacturer Westward Industries Ltd. of Canada paid for repairs performed by Gem of Hawaii, the company's local representative, said William Rhodens, HPD vehicle maintenance supervisor. The department has no plans at this time to purchase more Go-4s.

Yu said HPD is testing Geo Trackers as a possible replacement for the Go-4s, primarily because they afford officers more protection.

Meanwhile, brothers Vernon Isono, 47, and John Isono, 44, of Larry's Auto Parts pleaded guilty yesterday to second-degree theft for obtaining payments from the city for high-performance auto parts in excess of $300 over a five-year period that never made it into police vehicles.

The Isonos provided high-performance parts to former HPD vehicle maintenance supervisor Victor Hasebe for his personal use, according to prosecutors. High-performance parts valued at $10,000 were recovered from the HPD motor pool. Hasebe has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial in March.

On Tuesday another motor pool supervisor, Winston Owan, pleaded no contest to purchasing auto parts at inflated prices and submitting fraudulent billings to procure high-performance parts.

Because of the scheme, the city ended up spending more for auto parts and supplies, said Deputy Prosecutor Randal Lee.

While the Isonos also were charged with giving Owan and Hasebe cash and Las Vegas trips for the department's business, bribery charges against them will be dropped under a plea agreement. They have agreed to assist prosecutors in the case.

Because of their cooperation early on, the state is not opposing their request for a deferral of their plea, Lee said. As a result, the Isonos likely will not serve any prison time and could seek to erase the conviction from their record if they abide by the court's conditions.

They will be sentenced May 10.