FORMER ATHLETICS DIRECTOR TO PAY $274,500 TO RESOLVE STATE ETHICS COMMISSION CHARGE

News Release from Hawai‘i State Ethics Commission, March 21, 2024 

The Hawai‘i State Ethics Commission resolved a charge against Glenn S. Nitta, former Athletics Director, Mililani High School, Department of Education, for violations of the State Ethics Code. He was charged with ethics violations stemming from allegations of theft and embezzlement of funds belonging to the Mililani High School Athletic Booster Club. Mr. Nitta did not contest the underlying allegations and cooperated in the investigation. The Commission and Mr. Nitta settled the matter with an administrative penalty of $274,500, based on an estimated 338 violations of the State Ethics Code, and the publication of Resolution of Charge 2024-01. This is the highest administrative fee ever issued by the Commission.

“The Commission felt the high amount of the fine was necessary considering the egregious nature of Mr. Nitta’s actions,” said Wesley Fong, Commission Chair. “This enforcement action 2 shows that state employees are held to the highest standards of ethical conduct and will be held accountable for any violation.”

For the same actions investigated by the Commission, Mr. Nitta was convicted in criminal court of 8 felony charges of theft and failure to pay taxes. At his sentencing, Mr. Nitta paid a full restitution of $406,000. He was also placed on probation and ordered to pay a fine of $155,000.

[PAU]