Police lieutenant charged with abuse of household member
A lieutenant with the Honolulu Police Department has been charged with abuse of a family or household member.
Jason K. Kawabata, who works in HPD’s Information Technology Division, is a 19-year veteran, a police spokeswoman confirmed.
Kawabata, of Waialae Iki, turned himself in at the main station yesterday afternoon in connection with a complaint involving his wife, who is a sergeant in the Police Department, a source said.
Chief Louis Kealoha said he is “deeply concerned” about the allegations and the department has opened both criminal and administrative investigations.
“The Honolulu Police Department holds our officers to a higher standard than the general public,” Kealoha said. “We take each complaint seriously. No one is above the law.”
Kawabata, 42, was released about a half-hour after his arrest after posting $1,000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 30.
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Kawabata was the department’s lieutenant of the year in 2009.