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Agreement calls for Louis Kealoha to pay back the money if he is convicted of a felony.

Will Espero urges the commission to wait until a federal investigation is finished before making a deal for Chief Louis Kealoha’s departure.

The chairman of the commission says it alone will finalize a secret deal likely to include a buyout for retiring Police Chief Louis Kealoha.

Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro has been combative over allegations that one of his top deputies is involved in corruption and conspiracy.

Police Commission Chairman Max Sword refuses to answer questions from council members who want to know if they get final say on any payout.

The fact that the Honolulu Police Commission is negotiating a deal in secret is raising concerns.

Chief Louis Kealoha’s retirement package is being worked out and approved in secret before it’s known whether he committed serious wrongdoing.

The chief has maintained his innocence after being named by the FBI as a suspect in a federal corruption investigation.

The commission wrapped up an hours-long meeting without making a decision but plans to take up the issue again on Friday.

But public-interest attorneys say the matter is far too important to be handled behind closed doors.