Narcotics chief being investigated

By Jim Dooley
Advertiser Staff Writer

The chief of the state's Narcotics Enforcement Division was placed on paid administrative leave last week pending an investigation by the state attorney general's office.

Keith Kamita, who has been head of narcotics enforcement since 1993, was told last week of the disciplinary action against him, said Sidney Hayakawa, deputy director for law enforcement for the State Department of Public Safety.

Kamita did not return messages left for him at his office and home.

Two law enforcement sources who did not want to be named because they are not authorized to discuss the investigation said Kamita has been accused of having misspent government grant money given to his agency.

One of those officials said the investigation centers on whether Kamita spent the money for law enforcement purposes not specifically related to the grants.

Most grants are restricted to specific purposes, such as the purchase of a specialized piece of drug analysis equipment.

Hayakawa declined to discuss the matters under investigation other than to say, "there's been some allegations made against him."

The Narcotics Enforcement Division, with a staff of about a dozen, investigates the criminal use of prescription drugs, controlled substances and other drugs such as Ecstasy.

The office also monitors applications for those who want to use marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Kamita's deputy, Ed Howard, has been named acting supervisor. He declined to discuss the Kamita investigation.

Reach Jim Dooley at jdooley@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2447.