Shannon Alivado, chair of the Honolulu Police Commission, hopes to hear from HPD administrators about the allegations against Maj. Stephen Gerona, commander of the Criminal Investigation Division.
State senator Kurt Fevella sent letters on Sept. 21 to Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Alivado calling for Gerona to be relieved of his duties.
Gerona is at the center of a lawsuit filed on behalf of HPD detective Maile Rego. The lawsuit alleges retaliation, sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.
At least two other lawsuits were filed against Gerona, which led to nearly $1.5 million in taxpayer-funded settlements.
"Due to the confidential nature of the complaints, HPD is unable to provide further details," Interim Chief Rade Vanic said in a statement. "However, the department takes all allegations seriously and will take the appropriate action once the findings are complete. Until then, no changes to the CID (Criminal Investigation Division) command staff will be made."
Alivado said HPD is in charge of investigating the complaints and the commission can only request updates. It is not able to get into administrative operations because it deals with internal department issues.
"The commission can find out, and ensure that the process is fair to all parties, and that everyone is provided the opportunity to address the issues raised," Alivado said. "I think it’s going to be important that there be a thorough and fair, complete investigation as to these allegations."
The commission’s next meeting is on Oct. 6th at 2 p.m.
HPR reached out to Mayor Rick Blangiardi’s office, which acknowledged receiving the senator’s letter, but declined to comment.
