Posted on: Friday, February 14, 2003

Rodrigues lawsuit seeks payment for unused leave

Advertiser Staff

Former United Public Workers union head Gary Rodrigues is suing the man who has replaced him — at least temporarily — claiming that money from 37 years of unused sick leave and vacation days is being kept from him, as well as his pension entitlements.

A lawsuit filed Wednesday on Rodrigues' behalf by Honolulu attorney Eric Seitz accuses Peter Liholiho Trask of withholding the money that Rodrigues believes is rightfully his.

Trask was installed by the union's international chapter after Rodrigues and his daughter, Robin Rodrigues Sabatini, were found guilty in federal court in November of more that 100 criminal counts including mail fraud and money laundering resulting from consulting contracts that Rodrigues awarded to his daughter. The two are to be sentenced May 12.

The lawsuit claims Rodrigues "retired" from the union on Nov. 22 and has asked Trask "orally and in letters" for the money due him, but as of yesterday had received nothing and gotten no response.

The suit does not list an amount sought by Rodrigues but according to testimony during his trial in federal court, it is estimated to be in the range of $1 million.

Trask could not be reached last night for comment on the lawsuit.