Police commissioner's recusal urged

By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer

Some City Council members say they have serious concerns about whether construction company executive Leonard Leong should remain on the Honolulu Police Commission while charged with making illegal donations to Mayor Jeremy Harris' campaign committee.

Councilman Charles Djou called for Leonard Leong to recuse himself "from all Police Commission activities and decisions." Advertiser library photo

Leong was charged Sept. 12 with donating money to Harris' campaign under a false name. He is to be arraigned on Friday and faces a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $2,000 fine for the misdemeanor. Harris has said he is pleased with Leong's performance and will not ask him to step down.

But Councilman Charles Djou yesterday called for Leong to recuse himself "from all Police Commission activities and decisions."

"I completely understand that you have every right to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of law," Djou wrote in a letter to Leong. ". . . however, integrity of the Police Commission may be questioned."

Council Public Safety and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee chairman Donovan Dela Cruz said Leong's situation deserves scrutiny to ensure public confidence in government. "We can't just let it go," he said. "At the very least, a third party should look at it and make a determination."

Dela Cruz's committee voted on Sept. 10 to confirm Jimmy Borges to the commission. He said he did not believe Borges' marriage to someone who works closely with Harris would taint his judgment as a commissioner if the full council approves the appointment.

Jimmy Borges could be not reached for comment yesterday. He is a jazz and cabaret performer who also made guest appearances on television programs, including "Hawaii Five-0."

Reach Johnny Brannon at jbrannon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.