Suspected nepotism at state hospital will be investigated by ethics agency

The state Ethics Commission has agreed to open an investigation into nepotism at the Hawaii State Hospital.

A state Senate panel investigating mismanagement and assaults on staff at the Kaneohe psychiatric hospital has documented that at least eight staffers have relatives working at the facility.

While the state Department of Health, which oversees the state hospital, has said that the figure does not necessarily mean family members were given preferential treatment in hiring, senators are alarmed.

Leslie Kondo, executive director of the Ethics Commission, has asked the Senate to share information about nepotism at the state hospital for the commission’s probe. The commission agreed to open the investigation at a meeting Wednesday.

Sen. Clayton Hee (D, Heeia-Laie-Waialua) and Sen. Josh Green (D, Naalehu-Kailua-Kona), who are leading the Senate’s investigation, welcomed the commission’s decision.

"I think it’s a concern that had to be addressed," Green said.

Hee said he would ask Senate attorneys whether the panel can turn over the information the Senate has gathered to the commission.

"My own view is it’s an appropriate issue for the Ethics Commission to deliberate," he said.

Linda Rosen, director of the state Department of Health, said in a statement that the department would fully cooperate with the ethics investigation, "and if any instances of unfair employment practices are found, we will pursue disciplinary action in line with state laws and procedures."

Along with looking into assaults against hospital staff and nepotism, the Senate panel is examining whether workers who have gone public with complaints about management and hospital conditions have been singled out for retaliation.