The Advertiser reported last week that internal affairs investigators are examining an unusual effort by Beaver to commute the prison sentence of a man convicted last year of armed robbery.

In that case, Beaver ordered his staff to prepare a request to commute the sentence of prison inmate Chad Wilderman, who was convicted last year of using a semiautomatic handgun in the commission of a robbery, according to law enforcement sources familiar with the request.

Normally, other agencies would review such a request. Under his current sentence, Wilderman is ineligible for parole consideration until he has served at least 10 years in prison.

Beaver has not been available to comment and could not be reached this morning.

Cayetano provided no details of the allegations against Beaver, but said the Internal Affairs office of the state Department of Public Safety is heading the investigation. He said Beaver will be on administrative leave with pay pending the probe effective this morning.

Beaver, 59, will not be reporting to work but will be available if the paroling authority or the Public Safety Director needs to contact him, Cayetano said.

Public Safety Director Ted Sakai said that Beaver was informed yesterday of the decision and did not report to work today.

"The governor really wants us to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible," Sakai said. "There’s no time frame but we are working very hard to conclude it as expeditiously as possible."

Both Cayetano and Sakai end their administration term Dec. 2, when Gov.-elect Linda Lingle is sworn in.

Beaver “is presumed innocent of any alleged wrongdoing, but the allegations are serious enough to warrant a full and thorough investigation,” Cayetano said. Cayetano said Beaver must also cooperate with the investigation.

Beaver has developed a get-tough reputation by imposing stricter rules from 1997 that returned more parole violators to prison. During that time his stance was cited as a factor when the prison population grew by almost 1,000 inmates — the largest percentage increase in any prison system in the nation.

Sakai said the work of the paroling authority will continue as the other two members have the authority to proceed.

"Mary Tiwanak will serve as acting chairperson," Sakai said. "They agreed that the work has to be done."

Sakai said parole board hearings are held more than once a week.

Beaver also serves as Nanakuli High School football coach..