Honolulu’s Chief Deputy Prosecutor Taking Leave Amid Federal Corruption Probe
Chasid Sapolu was identified as a “subject” last week in the widening investigation into local law enforcement.
Honolulu’s top deputy prosecutor announced he is taking a leave of absence after being notified more than a week ago he is the听subject of an expanding federal grand jury probe into the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the police department.
“I wholeheartedly believe that the system I am dedicated to serving will reveal that I have done nothing wrong,” wrote in a statement released by his attorney, Randall Hironaka.
Sapolu, a Honolulu prosecutor since 2011, emphasized in his statement that while he is not a target of the federal investigation, “as听a dedicated public servant my intent is to cooperate with any law enforcement investigation.”
Hironaka confirmed that Sapolu notified Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro of his decision to go on leave Thursday afternoon.
There’s still no word from Kaneshiro about his future plans after receiving notice from federal investigators that he is now a target of the ongoing federal probe.
The investigation has so far resulted in corruption and bank fraud indictments against former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife Katherine Kealoha, a former assistant prosecuting attorney. Five HPD officers also have been charged as part of the investigation.
For more than a week, Kaneshiro has refused to address the issue of the target letter or what he plans to do as a result of the notification.
Meanwhile, an听online petition drive was started this week to听听Kaneshiro by sweepstakes machine distributor Tracy Yoshimura. By late Thursday, the effort had gathered more than 660 signatures of registered Honolulu voters, more than the 500 needed under the听.听
There’s some history behind the drive.听Four years ago, Kaneshiro tried to prosecute Yoshimura on illegal gambling charges. The听botched prosecution听resulted in Yoshimura suing both Kaneshiro and Katherine Kealoha for malicious prosecution. That case is still pending.听
“I’ve been a victim of their corrupt acts,” Yoshimura said. “It’s a massive public safety issue at this point.”
Yoshimura’s attorney, Keith Kiuchi, said the signatures will have to be verified by the city clerk and once that is done, the petition will be filed with the Hawaii Supreme Court.
A spokesman for Kaneshiro declined to comment on Sapolu’s action or the petition.
