Posted on: Thursday, March 29, 2001

Ex-HPD employee suspected of accepting kickbacks

A former Honolulu Police Department vehicle maintenance supervisor is under investigation for allegedly accepting kickbacks in exchange for purchasing parts from unauthorized local dealers.

In a conspiracy dating back to before 1992, when Honolulu police moved from Pawa'a into the current headquarters building, and until 1999, the supervisor set up a parts inventory section and allegedly stocked it with some items purchased at inflated prices from companies not on the city's approved list, investigators said.

In exchange, the supervisor allegedly received kickbacks in the form of cash and Las Vegas trips, police said.

Capt. Daniel Hanagami, the chief investigator in the 'Ewa Villages scam who is currently acting commander of the Criminal Investigation Division, headed the investigation, which uncovered evidence of false billings and money laundering.

Prosecutors expect to present the case to the O'ahu grand jury.

Several others involved in the conspiracy, including at least one other employee, are also reportedly targeted for indictment.