Investigation still open on visit by Scouts to police academy

Question: Whatever happened to the investigation of former Honolulu Police Deputy Chief Delbert Tatsuyama, who allegedly brought in officers on overtime so his son’s Cub Scout troop could visit the police academy on a Sunday?

Answer: The Honolulu Ethics Commission is still investigating the case from early this year and is expected to reach a decision in about two months, said Chuck Totto, the commission’s executive director. Besides acknowledging the case, Totto said he could only talk about general procedures and could not comment further on the investigation.

KITV reported in February that a complaint against Tatsuyama was filed with the commission after he allegedly brought in officers on overtime so a Cub Scout pack, of which his son is a member, could tour the police academy on a Sunday, when it is usually closed. About 20 members of the police department were there, including members of the bomb squad and officers on bicycles; a police helicopter was also brought in. The Ethics Commission staff later requested video that KITV recorded of the Sunday visit, the TV station reported.

Some officers were paid overtime to work that Sunday, and others took time off to avoid overtime, KITV said.

Totto said that once the staff completes its investigation, Tatsuyama will be able to request a hearing, and the commission will determine whether there was misconduct. If a violation is found, the commission can recommend discipline to be imposed by the agency the person works for or fine an official of up to $5,000 or three times the amount of the benefit sought in the violation.

Totto said commission investigations usually take about six months, but recent inquiries were delayed because the staff had been short-handed.

If Tatsuyama is found in violation, the commission will publish its findings and recommended discipline on its website, although the findings may be redacted to protect an individual’s privacy.

A police spokesman said Tatsuyama retired in May. He could not be reached for comment.

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This update was written by Rob Shikina. Suggest a topic for “Whatever Happened To…” by writing Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suit 7-210, Honolulu 96813; call 529-4747; or email cityeditors@staradvertiser.com.