Police chief denies hush-up

Associated Press

Honolulu police chief Lee Donohue defended the department against allegations it retaliated against a whistleblower.

Donohue testified yesterday in a federal lawsuit filed by David Hernandez.

The18-year police veteran claims the department tried to silence him when he uncovered problems three years ago with pawn shop laws and evidence seizure policies by transferring him to a hostile pawn shop detail.

When he complained of stress, he lost his police powers and was sent to a psychiatrist, the suit says.

Donohue testified that the transfer was a reward for good work, and that Hernandez was treated like any other officer who complained of stress.

The trial before U.S. District Judge David Ezra is expected to end this week.