LIHUE >> The Kauai police commission plans to file a complaint in court to ask for judgment on who has the authority to supervise and discipline the police chief. 

The question stems from Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. placing Chief Darryl Perry on leave last month while the county investigated an employee complaint. Perry claimed only the police commission had the authority to do so, while the mayor insisted that authority belongs to him.

The mayor allowed Perry to return to the job earlier this month. 

Kauai County Council Chair Jay Furfaro said Friday the council approved a request from the police commission seeking up to $10,000 to retain special counsel to represent the commission in its complaint. 

He says a court judgment will provide clarity on the issue.