SHOPO says only
few cops disciplined

HPD says no officers will face criminal charges
in their handling of the Arakawa crash scene

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By Nelson Daranciang
ndaranciang@starbulletin.com

The Oahu chairman of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers said he is aware of only a few officers being disciplined for their handling of a crash scene in the case of former police officer Clyde Arakawa.

Arakawa is accused of manslaughter in the death of 19-year-old Dana Ambrose in a collision at School Street and Pali Highway on Oct. 7, 2000.

Honolulu police Chief Lee Donohue launched an internal investigation after he said Arakawa was extended courtesies at the scene.

Television news video showed Arakawa moving freely about the crash scene as police officers conducted their investigation.

The department said none of the officers is facing criminal charges, but is not saying how many officers are being disciplined or what kind of punishments are being handed out.

The department informs the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers whenever it disciplines any of its members for misconduct, said HPD spokeswoman Michelle Yu. But SHOPO Oahu Chairman Kimo Smith said he is only informed of those who seek or inquire about union representation for possible grievance proceedings.