DOH PLACES SEVEN HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES ON OFF-DUTY STATUS WITHOUT PAY

Hawaii Department of Health places seven hospital employees on off-duty status without pay pending investigation

News Release from Hawaii DoH, Nov 15, 2017

HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) is placing seven Hawaii State Hospital employees on off-duty status without pay pending the investigation of the escape of a patient on Nov. 12. The hospital employees are being notified and will be relieved of their duties for 30 days as the internal investigation continues. As the investigation progresses, more employees may be identified and placed on off-duty status.

The department is committed to a thorough investigation, evaluation and correction of our hospital protocols and procedures to prevent this type of incident from reoccurring. In addition to placing employees on off-duty status, all unescorted on-campus and off-campus privileges have been stopped, visits to Kaneohe Clubhouse have been suspended, all staff have been retrained on the accountability process, security staff have been reassigned, all levels of patient privilege and visitation policies are being reviewed, additional unannounced patient area searches are being conducted, and procurement of additional security fencing is being expedited.

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STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL DOUG CHIN ON ESCAPE AND CAPTURE OF RANDALL SAITO

News Release from Attorney General November 15, 2017

HONOLULU – Attorney General Doug Chin released the following statement regarding the apprehension of Hawaii State Hospital escapee Randall Saito today in California:

“I am grateful to local law enforcement partners, including the State Sheriff Fugitive Unit, the Honolulu Police Department, and the Honolulu prosecutor’s office, for their assistance with the investigation of and search for Randall Saito. The Honolulu Police Department has now confirmed that Saito is in custody in California. He will next face a hearing in California to be extradited back to Hawaii. I acknowledge the efforts of citizens and law enforcement officials on the mainland who helped make his capture possible.

At Governor Ige’s direction and with the state health director’s full consent, my office will conduct an internal investigation to determine what procedures and protocols were breached, and who – if anyone – assisted with Saito’s escape. Separately, my criminal justice division will work closely with the Honolulu Police Department as HPD continues its criminal investigation. This will ensure that appropriate administrative and criminal penalties are thoroughly considered.”

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