HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0272.020 1998-2000 Hawai' i County Council Meeting ~~'"~'veD
January 5, 2000 7ime....__ , _
Date~___- _ _ -
County Council
Council Chairman James Arakaki and the Other Members of the
Hawaii County Council:
Thank you for this opportunity to express myself on Comm.
272.005: Executive Session--William Silva Et A1., V. County
of Hawai i, Et A1., Civil No. 97-622.
I am Kengo Nagasako, a resident of Hilo, a retired school
principal, and a member of the Hawaii County Retired & Senior
Volunteer Program since 1983.
I grew up in the plantation community of Papaikou and have
known the family of Mr. & Mrs. V.A. Carvalho for nearly my
whole lifetime. Mr. Carvalho, grandfather of Police Chief
Wayne, was my principal at Kalanianaole intermediate &
Elementary School. Priscilla, the youngest of 10 children,
was my classmate from kindergarten through high school. My
friendship with Chief Wayne was enriched when Doris, his
wife, joined the faculty at Ernest Bowen de Silva School.
Today the people of Hawaii County need to answer a paramount
question: "Are there grounds to appeal the verdict against
the County, the police chief, and other defendants?" My
considered opinion is "YES".
Time limits me to mention only two of the dozen questions
which deserve serious consideration.
At the outset let us emphasize that there ~ been NO
allegations of impropriety with promotions since Chief
Carvalho was appointed in November 1994. In fact, several or
more of the plaintiffs were actually promoted by Chief
Carvalho since his appointment.
We should remember also that Wayne Carvalho was retired from
the department from October 1, 1989 to November 16, 1994 and
should NOT be held liable for the claims which occurred
during that period.
Now the questions: (1) Why did U. S. District Court Judge
David Ezra declare the earlier related federal suit FRIVOLOUS
and throw it out of court? (2) Why did Judge Ezra order the
plaintiffs to reimburse the County of Hawaii for legal costs p
and fees? ~ J
With the hope and expectation that justice will eventually N p Z
prevail, I respectfully urge you, our distinguished Council N v
members, to vote to appeal the verdict to the appellate _
court. 2 4
Thank you. May all of you enjoy a happy and successful year. ~ ~ H
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