The Hawaii State Ethics Commission has fined a state employee who used a government-owned skid-steer at his personal residence as well as the employee’s manager who allowed him to do so.

Randy Keopuhiwa, a carpenter with the state Department of Transportation Highways Division, and Robert Chang, a DOT supervisor, admitted to violating Hawaii’s Fair Treatment law, which bars state employees from using their positions for personal privileges.

Chang allowed Keopuhiwa to use a DOT trailer to take a Bobcat skid loader to his residence and remove debris, according to a summary published by the commission. The incident happened around Nov. 2 while the highways division worked on a project near Nanakuli.

Keopuhiwa was fined $1,500, while Chang was fined $1,000. Both could face additional disciplinary action from the DOT.

What stories will you help make possible?

Since 2010, Civil Beat’s reporting has painted a more complete picture of Hawaii — stories that you won’t find anywhere else.

Your donation, however big or small, will ensure that Civil Beat has the resources to provide you with thorough, unbiased reporting on the issues that matter most to Hawaii. We can’t do this without you.

 

About the Author