‘Disappointed, shocked, upset.’ Maui police chief responds to questions surrounding Vaituulala’s arrest
Maui Police Department Chief John Pelletier, and Deputy Chief Wade Maeda spoke at a press conference on Wednesday to address the criminal complaint filed against high-ranking Lieutenant Michael Vaituulala.
The criminal complaint was filed in the US District Court earlier this month for alleged conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Vaituulala, an MPD officer since 2008, is accused of accepting cash payments in exchange for protecting illegal activities including chicken fighting operations and taking bribes to protect drug operations. He is also accused of disclosing confidential law enforcement information.
Deputy Chief Wayne Maeda confirmed that an administrative investigation is running concurrently with the FBI’s criminal probe to determine if other personnel were involved. While no other employees have been served target letters to date, the remaining Criminal Intelligence Unit members have been reassigned to non-investigative duties pending clearance.
Chief John Pelletier emphasized a “zero tolerance” approach to the incident, initiating both internal and external audits in an effort to restore public trust. The external review will be conducted by Hawaiʻi County Police Chief Reed K. Mahuna to ensure transparency and objectivity.
Pelletier acknowledged a “good personal relationship” with Vaituulala, but said he was unaware of the alleged criminal activity that has surfaced. “So first let me say this. I had absolutely no knowledge of the allegations. It’s almost offensive in that—because we did not know,” Pelletier said on Wednesday.
He provided greater background saying the two had associated socially about 6 to 10 times over five years during off-work hours, but “never went to a Super Bowl party, and never, ever associated at a bar, outside of a work function.”
“I’m disappointed, shocked, upset—all those actions that each and every one of you have,” said Pelletier.
He said both the community and the department are a victim. “And remember this too: Law enforcement caught this individual. One of our partners that we work with is the FBI. We trust them. We work well with them. We reach out to them regularly. And one of our partners caught this,” said Pelletier.
“Nobody is more upset about a bad cop, than good cops,” said Pelletier. “And so we’re going to do everything we can to make sure that we participate and help where appropriate. But we’re going to move forward. And we’ve got a community to protect, and we’ve got to make sure that the bad goes away.”
Maeda described Vaituulala as a “trusted member” of the department and “fully vetted by the FBI,” having been a task force officer for the Federal Bureau of Investigation up until October 2025.
“Over the two year period of the allegations, there were no changes in behavior, no increase in expense, purchases or flashing of money by Lieutenant Michael Vailuulala. The administration, as well as the rest of the MPD staff, were shocked with the allegations,” said Maeda.
Earlier this year, in April, Hawaiʻi News Now reported that Vaituʻulala was suspended in connection with a New Year’s fireworks incident that resulted in thousands of dollars in damage to a Puʻumakani Street home in Kahului.
A review of the lieutenant’s personal folder by the Internal Affairs captain revealed the only previous conduct issue prior to the lieutenant’s federal arrest this month, was the fireworks incident. Police say that incident was handled internally and Vaituulala was issued a one day suspension without pay for code of conduct.
The federal complaint includes at least one allegation of Vaituulala supplying another MPD officer with illegal aerial fireworks. Maeda said that if it is revealed that other officers were involved, they will be held administratively accountable.
He said according to the department’s Internal Affairs commander, no officers or civilians at MPD have come forward with allegations involving Vaituulala or others he has worked with.
Pelletier said, “We at MPD take allegations of corruption and criminal acts extremely seriously. The arrest of an employee is deeply concerning… Our goal is not simply to address this incident, but to use this as an opportunity to strengthen our policies, our practices and the public trust.”
Pelletier said the department has and continues to operate and conduct itself at the highest level. “The actions of an individual do not reflect the efforts of this department or the policing profession,” he said.
The department’s response comes as the the MPD responded to two homicides, and an announcement was made regarding the disruption of a human trafficking enterprise. This week also marks the one year anniversary of the tragic death in the line of duty of Maui Police Officer Suzanne O.
“And although this incident was absolutely a knock down, we at MPD—we are back up on our feet. We are moving forward. This agency and this profession will be relentless in the pursuit of excellence,” said Pelletier.
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