HPD officers allegedly set up illegal cockfights
By Peter Boylan
Advertiser Staff Writer
The homes of several Honolulu police officers were raided last week as part of a federal gambling investigation that alleges the officers helped set up and protect illegal cockfights and other gambling games in exchange for things of value, said a law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation.
The FBI is leading the probe and no arrests have been made, said the official, who asked not to be identified because the investigation is ongoing.
Honolulu Police Department Capt. Frank Fujii said Chief Boisse Correa knows of an investigation but will not comment now.
The officers allegedly helped to facilitate and protect large cockfighting derbies that regularly occur on O'ahu. Other forms of gambling, like card and dice games, are set up at the derbies.
At least four officers' homes were searched last week, including a member of the department's gambling detail, an officer stationed in Wahiawa and two officers with the District 4 (Windward O'ahu) Crime Reduction Unit.
FBI Special Agent Arnold Laanui acknowledged that the FBI served search warrants last week but declined further comment.
Three officers have been placed on leave by the department because of the investigation, said Lt. Alex Garcia, O'ahu chapter chairman of the State of Hawai'i Organization of Police Officers.
"As with any other union member, SHOPO will be acting to protect everyone's contractual rights and benefits," said Garcia, in a statement posted on his personal Web site yesterday. "If officers are convicted of criminal violations, then they will face a just punishment. Until then, they are all innocent until proven guilty and should be afforded the same rights and respect afforded every other citizen and union member."
The Honolulu Police Commission was informed of the investigation by Correa.
"The only thing that we know is that an investigation is ongoing by the federal authorities but because of the confidential nature of the investigation, the department was unable to disclose any information," said Ron Taketa, chairman of the commission.
Reach Peter Boylan at 535-8110 or pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.
