A 12-year veteran of the Hawaii Police Department remains on “paid personal leave” following a single-car crash involving a subsidized vehicle he was driving while off-duty early Sunday in Hilo.
The officer, whom the department did not identify Monday, was not injured in the crash that occurred around 1:40 a.m. Sunday at the intersection of Kekuanaoa Street and Kilauea Avenue.
Police said in the media release issued Monday that the officer was operating a 2015 Dodge two-door sedan on Kekuanaoa Street when the vehicle lost control, failing to negotiate a right turn onto Kilauea Avenue. The vehicle then struck a traffic light pole and hedges on the shoulder of Kilauea Avenue.
Denise Laitinen, public relations specialist for the department, told West Hawaii Today speed and/or alcohol are possible factors in the incident.
No arrest was made, and “no test was administered, which is also being looked into,” she said in response to a question of whether the officer underwent a blood draw or breathalyzer test.
“This is what the investigation is trying to determine,” she said via emailed response.
In addition to a criminal investigation, which will be forwarded to prosecutors who will determine any charges, the department’s Office of Professional Standards has initiated an administrative investigation into the matter.
“Members of Hawaii Police Department are held to a higher standard of conduct, and we take particular measures to ensure a fair and thorough investigation of any incident involving an officer to ensure the public’s trust. Hawaii Police Department is committed to providing the highest quality police service ensuring that we enforce the laws (including when it pertains to our own officers), preserve peace, and provide a safe environment for our island community,” Laitinen said. “As mentioned in the media release, there are two investigations taking place: an administrative investigation conducted by the Office of Professional Standards since the incident involves an officer, and a criminal investigation since traffic related offenses may be involved.
“Though each investigation runs concurrently, each takes time and the department is committed to conducting a quality investigation and will take action once all the facts have been determined,” she continued.
The officer “was and is currently on paid personal leave,” Laitinen said.
Police also requested anyone with information relating to the incident to contact Detective Jeremy Kubojiri at (808) 961-2378 or via email at Jeremy.Kubojiri@hawaiicounty.gov.