Commission wants embattled Maui police commander on unpaid leave
KAHULUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – Maui Police Commissioners took public testimony Wednesday for the first time since the arrest of Lt. Michael Vaituulala.
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Vaituulala was arrested by the FBI earlier this month for allegedly accepting bribes to protect drug traffickers.
Public testimony
Larry Feinberg shared his concerns about the allegations.
“I’ve testified before that if you know where the bad people are, you should go get them. But why should he go get them when he’s protecting them?” Feinberg said.
Commissioners react
Reaction from commissioners was split.
“For myself, I’m very very concerned, as well as a community member, and rest assured it’s weighing very heavily on my mind. I cant speak for the other commissioners. But I expect they feel the same way,” Maui Police Commissioner Toni Rojas said.
“Eventually we’ll find out if it’s proven beyond a reasonable doubt if he will be guilty of any of these charges. Until then, we really shouldn’t be convicting him in the court of public opinion,” said Maui Police Commissioner Shackley Raffetto.
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Executive session
Commissioners went into executive session to discuss how they want to move forward.
After about an hour behind closed doors, commissioners reconvened in open session and announced they will hire an outside investigator.
“We’re going to hire an independent external investigator to investigate any flaws that were in the department that may have contributed to the alleged criminal activity,” said Maui Police Commission Chair Frank Tam.
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Tam also said they want Vaituulala placed on leave without pay.
Chief John Pelletier was not at the meeting.
Deputy Chief Wade Maeda said Pelletier is taking his children to college.
The next Maui Police Commission meeting is scheduled for Sept. 16.
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