The Maui Police Commission unanimously voted on Wednesday to place Police Chief John Pelletier on paid administrative leave while it investigates his oversight of a department unit whose leader was recently arrested by federal prosecutors, according to county officials.

The Criminal Intelligence Unit reported directly to Pelletier, and it was led by Lt. Michael Vaituulala, who is facing federal charges for allegedly accepting bribes and using his police powers to protect cockfight organizers, drug traffickers and illegal fireworks distributors.

During Wednesday’s commission meeting, which was not livestreamed, commissioners discussed whether to take action related to Pelletier’s supervision of the now-dissolved unit.

Pelletier was not at Wednesday’s meeting because he was traveling back to Maui after presenting at a Federal Bureau of Investigation conference in New Jersey, according to Deputy Chief Wade Maeda.

After voting 6-0 to place the chief on leave, commissioners took another vote to place Maeda in the role of acting chief.

Joy Medeiros, an assistant chief with the police department, confirmed in an email on Thursday afternoon that Pelletier had been placed on leave immediately after Wednesday’s meeting and his responsibilities would continue to be handled by Maeda.

The FBI arrested Vaituulala in August, charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.

During a press conference shortly after Vaituulala’s arrest, Pelletier said the department would conduct an internal investigation into the allegations and would take a “zero tolerance, total accountability approach” to the incident. An external review would be conducted by Hawaiʻi County Police Chief Reed Mahuna, he added.

“Our goal is not simply to address this incident, but to use this as an opportunity to strengthen our policies, our practices and the public trust,” Pelletier said.

In a statement provided by spokeswoman Laksmi Abraham on Wednesday, Mayor Richard Bissen said he supported the county’s volunteer police commissioners’ authority and their role in ensuring accountability.

“I acknowledge the difficult responsibility our volunteer Maui County Police Commissioners carry, particularly during challenging times like these,” Bissen said. “I support their commitment to listening to our community and making decisions that serve the best interests of the people of Maui Nui.”

He added that he also recognized that the commission’s decision to place Pelletier on leave would result in uncertainty for county police officers, department employees and their families.

“I continue to stand with them and deeply appreciate the critical work they do every day to protect our people, serve our community, and keep Maui Nui safe,” he said. “They have my unwavering support and gratitude.”

Medeiros said the police department’s commitment to its public safety activities would not be affected by the temporary change.

“The Maui Police Department is fully cooperating with the Police Commission’s investigation and is committed to ensuring that the investigation is conducted with integrity and respect for the rights of all individuals involved,” Medeiros said in an email.

Kenneth Carroll, who chairs the Maui chapter of the State of Hawai‘i Organization of Police Officers, said on Thursday afternoon that the group’s leadership had worked hard to build strong relationships with all of the state’s police chiefs — who are not represented by the union — and all four department leaders had the organization’s support. 

“SHOPO will be guided by facts and not gossip,” Carroll said in a statement provided by union spokesman Dustin DeRollo. “Just like every officer we represent, all chiefs will have SHOPO’s support unless we are presented with facts showing that the support earned is no longer deserved.”

He added that the commission has an obligation to explain its decision to place Pelletier on leave.

“SHOPO is a staunch defender of ensuring fairness and due process in the accountability process,” he said. “No officer, regardless of rank, should be the victim of rumors and gossip. No officer should have their career threatened without evidence to prove wrongdoing and without an opportunity to answer for themselves.”

UPDATED: This story has been updated to include comments from county officials and the state police union.