Maui police chief’s leave raises questions about mayor’s influence
WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Some Maui residents are still stunned over Maui Police Chief John Pelletier being stripped of his police powers and Pelletier blaming Mayor Richard Bissen for it.
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Pelletier turned in his firearms, badge and building access keys to his deputy chief after landing on Maui on Wednesday, following an appearance at an FBI conference in New Jersey.
More than 48 hours later, the commission’s decision is still sending shockwaves throughout the community.
Decision follows commander’s arrest
The police commission’s move to place Pelletier on leave comes more than two months after the arrest of MPD commander Michael Vaituulala.
The Criminal Intelligence Unit, led by Vaituulala, has since been dissolved.
The police lieutenant was also at the home of Maoli singer Glenn Awong the night illegal fireworks exploded into the Galloway ohana’s home.
The Galloways asked commissioners at Wednesday’s meeting to take action.
“My family is now included on page 28 of 31 of his federal criminal complaint,” Lisa Galloway said. “It’s now nine months later and nothing has happened because of the relationship between the chief and the lieutenant.”
“Chief Peltier was lambasting us because social media and neighbor security and phone videos to identify the party goers and identify who was lighting the illegal fireworks was used,” said her husband Dennis Galloway, “That’s not acceptable.”
After the Galloways’ testimony, Deputy Chief Wade Maeda apologized to them.
“First off, I want to apologize to the Galloways,” Maeda said. “You guys truly are the victims, and I do feel sorry for you guys, and I want to be transparent, and honestly, we’re not covering up anything.”
Commissioners went into executive session and came out into open session to vote unanimously to place Pelletier on leave over his oversight of the Criminal Intelligence Unit.
Questions over mayor’s influence
Some in the community believe commissioners were influenced by Mayor Bissen.
“When you look at the police commission, I think we do need to look into who the members are and how they got there,” said Chuck Spence, a concerned community member. “I know for a fact that the INB, the Independent Nominations Board, was not independent. A lot of them were cronies of Mayor Bissen.”
Camron Hurt, state director of Common Cause Hawaii, has been a critic of Pelletier in the past but said he is a bigger advocate for truth, transparency and due process.
“We have been calling for the mayors not to have as much power as they have over commissions,” Hurt said. “We have begged and pleaded for that power to be ceded to the city council, which will provide more of a representative voice of the entire community than a mayor.”
Hurt said the timing of Pelletier being stripped of his police powers is suspicious.
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“This is really weird,” Hurt said. “I would also point to everybody that this is happening right before an election. Just saying.”
Officials respond to commission’s decision
Mayor Bissen released the following statement prior to the chief’s accusations:
“I acknowledge the difficult responsibility our volunteer Maui County Police Commissioners carry, particularly during challenging times like these. I support their commitment to listening to our community and making decisions that serve the best interests of the people of Maui Nui. Under the Maui County Charter, oversight of the Chief of Police rests with the Police Commission. I respect their authority and the important role they serve in ensuring accountability to our community.
“I also recognize the uncertainty this situation brings to the officers, employees and families of the Maui Police Department. I continue to stand with them and deeply appreciate the critical work they do every day to protect our people, serve our community and keep Maui Nui safe. They have my unwavering support and gratitude.”
Police Commission Chair Frank Tam said in a statement:
“At its Oct. 7 meeting, the Maui Police Commission voted to place Chief John Pelletier on paid administrative leave pending an independent investigation into the oversight of the Criminal Intelligence Unit.
“This decision was made to protect the integrity and independence of the investigative process and ensure that the matter receives a fair and thorough review. Placing the chief on administrative leave is not a disciplinary action or a determination of wrongdoing. He will continue to receive his regular pay and benefits during this period.
“The commission takes its responsibility to provide oversight and ensure accountability seriously. We remain committed to a fair, impartial and transparent process that serves the best interests of the Maui Police Department and the people of Maui County.”
Kenneth Carroll, State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) Maui Chapter Chair, said in a statement:
“SHOPO has worked hard to build strong relationships with all four police chiefs in our state. Together we are working to rebuild our departments by addressing our staffing crisis and retaining officers, improving officer morale, and making our communities safer. Each of these chiefs has SHOPO’s support.
“SHOPO is a staunch defender of ensuring fairness and due process in the accountability process. No officer, regardless of rank, should be the victim of rumors and gossip. No officer should have their career threatened without evidence to prove wrongdoing and without an opportunity to answer for themselves.
“SHOPO will be guided by facts and not gossip. Just like every officer we represent, all chiefs will have SHOPO’s support unless we are presented with facts showing that the support earned is no longer deserved.
“SHOPO believes strongly that the Commission has an obligation to explain its decisions and to ensure a fair process, because that is exactly what we would demand for our officers.”
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