Posted on: Wednesday, November 20, 2002

Capt. Soo back as fire spokesman next week

By Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Staff Writer

Capt. Richard Soo has been reinstated as the Honolulu Fire Department's spokesman after being taken off the job for endorsing Linda Lingle in the race for governor.

Soo, who will resume spokesman duties Monday, had been taken off the job after endorsing Lingle for governor in several television spots in October. Fire Chief Attilio Leonardi felt that Soo, as department spokesman, was giving an incorrect impression that HFD was endorsing Lingle.

"I felt I was endorsing Lingle as part of a coalition of Democrats, and not representing the Honolulu Fire Department," said Soo, who ran for City Council in January. "But what I've learned from the whole experience is that I'll be always identified as part of the Honolulu Fire Department."

Soo said he still faces disciplinary actions because of the endorsement, but he did not disclose details.

He said he'd "rather that be a private matter" between the chief and himself but "I hope this puts the issue to rest."

Fire Capt. Kenison Tejada, who shares spokesman duties with Soo, had been full-time fire spokesman while Soo was reassigned to administrative duties.