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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 9:21 a.m., Thursday, April 19, 2007

2 Kaua'i educators replaced after pot-related arrests

By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Staff Writer

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — A small North Shore Kaua'i school has permanently replaced two staff members who were arrested last week on marijuana promotion charges.

Kula High and Intermediate no longer employs Alan Bertolino, 43, a science teacher, or David Rojeck, 42, the school's former vice principal and athletic director.

Police arrested the two Friday after a search of their Moloa'a home, where authorities said they found 50 marijuana plants, drug paraphernalia and firearm ammunition.

Bertolino, charged with second-degree commercial promotion of marijuana, third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug and third-degree prohibited acts related to drug paraphernalia, was in custody at the Kaua'i Community Correctional Center. A preliminary hearing is scheduled today.

Rojeck was charged with third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug and was released after booking Friday.

"Kula is shocked and saddened by the recent events associated with two former employees," said school principal David R. Mireles.

"Kula would like to inform the general public that swift and decisive action was taken to permanently replace the duties of the two accused men with existing staff members. Kula is committed to a drug-free environment, and has worked hard to create such a healthy environment to benefit the students, teachers and community as a whole."

He called it an isolated and unfortunate incident.

"As we move forward from this, Kula is preparing for graduation with 95 percent of our students attending college or university — and is committed to the educational excellence for which it is recognized," Mireles said

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 245-3074.

Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.