Harassment suit settled for $250K

HILO » Hawaii County has spent nearly $250,000 to settle a complaint alleging former County Councilman Stacy Higa made sexual advances toward an aide.

Deputy Corporation Counsel Joseph Kamelamela has told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald that the county denied any wrongdoing in the settlement agreement.

Melissa Chang filed the complaint in 2007 with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. A federal administrative law judge held the following year that the county allowed a hostile workplace.

Higa has denied any wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, Kamelamela says the county’s legal tab to defend itself against a lawsuit filed by Higa has climbed to $33,000. It alleges Higa was denied legal representation needed to defend himself against the complaint.

Chief takes the lead

Police Chief Louis Kealoha will be honorary chairman of the 16th Annual Men’s March Against Domestic Violence starting at noon Thursday at the state Capitol courtyard. Co-sponsors include Catholic Charities Hawaii, Domestic Violence Action Center and PHOCUSED. Call 527-4477 or visit www.catholic-hawaii.org.