Maui Police Chief Pelletier encouraged by support from Solidarity Walk after being placed on paid leave

Maui Police Chief John Pelletier joined in a walk of solidarity, hosted by police officers, their families and friends on Tuesday afternoon. The walk was held on the heels of a move by the Maui Police Commission last week to place the chief on paid administrative leave while it conducts an independent investigation into the Chief’s oversight of the Criminal Intelligence Unit.  

This also comes two months after a criminal complaint was filed against high-ranking Lieutenant Michael Vaituulala, who most recently served as the Commander of the Criminal Intelligence Unit. Vaituulala is accused of accepting cash payments in exchange for protecting illegal activities including chicken fighting operations and taking bribes to protect drug operations.

Following the vote, Maui Police Commission Chair Frank Tam said the decision was made to protect the integrity and independence of the investigative process and ensure that the matter receives a fair and thorough review.

“Placing the chief on administrative leave is not a disciplinary action or a determination of wrongdoing,” said Tam, noting that Pelletier will continue to receive his regular pay and benefits during this period.

“The commission takes its responsibility to provide oversight and ensure accountability seriously. We remain committed to a fair, impartial and transparent process that serves the best interests of the Maui Police Department and the people of Maui County.”

Chief Pelletier said he was encouraged by those who turned out to show support.

“They’re risking retaliation… They’re proud to stand up and fight for what’s right. And that really means a lot,” said Pelletier. “You know, to me personally, this has been extremely difficult. But we’re not going anywhere. Right is right and wrong is wrong. And, it’s really a matter of, saying enough is enough.”

When asked about the morale of the department since the commissionʻs vote, Pelletier said he was unable to make an assessment since he’s been on leave. “But I can tell you that if you look at the 60 to 75 people that are here and, and at least over half of them are cops, I think that that speaks volumes,” he said.

“I am absolutely blessed and proud to be a member of this community in this department. And you look at the outpouring and the support that we’ve gotten—it’s incredible. I’m very appreciative [of] that.”

During a press conference held with the Chief’s attorney on O’ahu, Friday, Pelletier commented on the Commission decision saying, “I believe this is a direct result of criminal investigations involving the mayor and his office that began in July of this year.”

On Friday, Bissen’s administration strongly denied the allegations that he was the target of any investigation or that he had influenced the commission, the Hawaiʻi Journalism Initiative reported.

On Tuesday, Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin said that the mayor was not a target of the criminal investigation recently referenced by Pelletier, refuting the Chief’s public claims.

Martin said the allegations presented to the County of Maui Board of Ethics involved an individual within the Office of Economic Development.  Martin noted that the joint investigation into the possible misuse of County grant funds began before any civil lawsuits were filed and was later transferred to the state Attorney General’s office to maintain independence from politics.

Last week officials with the Maui Police Department said they are fully cooperating with the Police Commission’s investigation and remain committed to ensuring that the investigation is conducted with integrity and respect for the rights of all individuals involved.

Maui Police Department, Deputy Chief Wade Maeda is serving as Acting Chief pending the outcome of the commission’s investigation.