ETHICS COMMISSION RESOLVES INVESTIGATIONS OF TWO DLNR EMPLOYEES FOR PERSONAL AUTOMOBILE REPAIR USING STATE TIME AND STATE FACILITY

News Release from Hawaii State Ethics Comm, Aug 2, 2021

Resolution of Investigation 2021-8: David Keawe

a) Respondent Keawe is employed as a Conservation and Resources Enforcement Officer for the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement (“DOCARE”), and is required to comply with the State Ethics Code, HRS chapter 84.

b) On or around July 11, 2020, Respondent Keawe was the supervising officer at DOCARE’s Waimano Base Yard. A subordinate DOCARE officer drove his personal vehicle, which was damaged but operable, to the base yard. That officer, who was under Respondent Keawe’s supervision, asked Respondent Keawe whether he (Respondent Keawe) would assist him in repairing the vehicle. Respondent Keawe assisted in the repairs, which took several hours and occurred during state business hours and on state property....

Resolution of Investigation 2021-9: Fagota Tataipu

a) Respondent Tataipu is employed as a Conservation and Resources Enforcement Officer for the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resource Enforcement (“DOCARE”), and is required to comply with the State Ethics Code, HRS chapter 84.

b) On or around July 11, 2020, Respondent Tataipu drove his personal vehicle to DOCARE’s Waimano Base Yard. The fender on Respondent Tataipu’s vehicle was damaged, but the vehicle was operable. Respondent Tataipu and his supervisor spent approximately three hours repairing Tataipu’s personal vehicle during state business hours and on state property....