Posted on: Thursday, July 3, 2003

EDITORIAL
Whistle-blower abuse by city a big mistake

You have to wonder whether Charles Wiggins, if given the opportunity, would do it all again, or whether next time he'd take the easier, softer path and throw in with the thieves.

Wiggins was a whistle-blower who fingered corrupt Honolulu liquor inspectors. Of eight inspectors indicted for taking bribes from club owners, five pleaded guilty and three are set to go on trial in November.

He went to the FBI after observing corruption among inspectors, his lawyer said. Over several months, he taped conversations that implicated them.

When they realized they were under suspicion, inspectors told Wiggins that any informants could be killed. Fearing for his life, he was advised by his doctor to go on stress leave. He's had to leave Hawai'i and keep his location secret.

How did city government reward this brave employee for rooting out corruption in its midst? It fought his ability to receive workers' compensation while on leave.

Wiggins sued and won a $387,500 settlement, subject to council approval. The city could have saved a lot of money by honoring his contribution with gratitude.

Instead, the city has increased the likelihood that the next potential whistle-blower will save himself a lot of trouble and keep his mouth shut.