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The former Honolulu chief’s attorney accused a police commissioner of breaking the law, but then she fought back.

Civil Beat and the Star-Advertiser have teamed up in an effort to make sure the public has access to hearings for officers who want taxpayers to foot their legal bills.

Denny Santiago says he’s worried about being ostracized for speaking out about the Kealoha scandal to the Police Commission.

The process to replace Louis Kealoha, who resigned after being named as the target of a corruption investigation, has taken longer than anticipated.

Several people were asked to testify recently about a land deal involving Honolulu prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro and a politically active real estate investor.

The widening criminal investigation into Malaysian defense contractor Leonard “Fat Leonard” Francis has already ensnared dozens of top naval officers, many from the Hawaii-based Pacific Command.

She said a private company appeared to have “orchestrated the vast majority of the investigation” of its former employee.

Despite vehement objections from a former federal prosecutor and retired supreme court justice, the commission voted to hold hearings behind closed doors.

Officers want Honolulu taxpayers to foot their legal bills in a corruption lawsuit, and the commission is scheduled to decide behind closed doors.

Former police chief Louis Kealoha’s request for legal fees at taxpayer expense is causing angst for Honolulu police commissioners.