Naeole calls for Ethics Board review
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 03:26PM Aide Barbara Hale placed on paid administrative leave
Councilwoman Emily Naeole's attorney, Gerard Lee Loy, released the following statement on Naeole's behalf Wednesday afternoon in response to recent allegations of official misconduct by her legislative aide and former co-campaign chairwoman, Barbara Hale:
"Criticism has surfaced regarding staff activities in my Council office. I am trying to address these concerns including the appearance of impropriety. I have placed staff worker Barbara Hale on paid administrative leave. In the exercise of an abundance of caution, State law inhibits me from discussing the full details of my personal matters regarding Barbara Hale at the present time.
"My expectation is that all elected officials conduct themselves with the utmost integrity and this I have tried to do. The public deserves no less. I will continue to uphold the public trust and I have asked the Ethics Board to review Ms. Hale's allegations for the benefit of my constituents.
"I have formed a Kupuna Advisory Council to help me best serve my constituents. I am happy to report that former County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman, and now retired State Representative Helene Hale, has agreed to come out of retirement and help me by participating in this Council. I welcome and appreciate her willingness to help me create a better office. I am also happy to report that my request for temporary office help has been approved so that my office can function until the internal matter is concluded."
Signed: Emily Naeole, Councilwoman
Lee Loy declined any further comment.
Hunter Bishop
I made a change to the original version to reflect that the statement was released today, Wednesday, not Thursday. Sorry for any confusion that may have caused.
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Reader Comments (15)
Can't say yea or nay about any specific accusations of impropriety on Emily's part -- will leave that to the Ethics Board.
However, I can relay this:
Emily, Barbara, and Gwen, at our invitation, came to a community talk story at our house some months ago.
Barbara dominated the conversation, not allowing others, including Emily, to say much. A lot of what Barbara had to say was about how good she is at her job. She referred to the election as "we" -- never mentioning Emily. She took specific positions on issues without any deference to Emily being the elected official; and she ridiculed people for raising issues. Gwen sat a Emily's elbow and took copious notes without saying anything except mahalo to us for hosting the talk-story. Emily did take a position against the proposed garbage incinerator.
As a former Legislative Assistant to a Council Member (the same title as Barbara, different member) I was astounded and very disturbed by Barbara's behavior. Among the 8 LA's I worked with, none ever did, and I think never would, behave as Barbara did that evening: no respect for the constituents, no respect for Emily as the elected official she was working for, only self aggrandizement.
The here-and-now reality is that Emily, as the elected council member, needs to get on with doing good for the district and the entire county.
Mahalo E Emily a Malama Pono
'o Lester Keia
I find it very hurtful to read the negative stuff (polite word) that people are writing about Emily when they do not have the facts. For example, blaming Emily for the loss of the new park project next to the new fire station is ridiculous. The parks department changed their mind because they found caves under the surface. This was not Emily's fault. On the contrary, if you have heard her testify at council meetings, she is always bringing up the fact that Puna doesn't get anything from the County. She is courageous and will stand her ground on her beliefs, even if they are unpopular with segments of the community. Instead of complaining about what she can't or doesn't do, why don't you give her a call and ask if there is anything that you can do to assist her. Give her a chance, you will not be disappointed.
Aloha & Mahalo for allowing me to comment.
Tim Gardner
P.S. Yes, I am the owner of the property next to the fire station that I wanted to rezone for self-storage. During that process is how I came to know and respect Emily Naeole.
As for Barbara Hale, yes she is a loudmouth. But she also played an integral part in getting Emily elected. No one seemed to complain about her personality then. Or could all this talk about Barbara divert the attention from the heart of the matter? What is that? The same allegations that put former Honolulu Councilwoman Rene Mansho in jail. Illigal campaign donation solicitations in the County office, misuse of county paid employees for her own personal and business use. Rene Mansho was put in jail for one year and had to pay over $80,000 back to the taxpayers of Hawaii. Guess what, how was it discovered? Disgruntled ex-employee spilled the beans.
I think is great that Emily found Helene Hale to help her. But can she call a "time-out" on the floor and have Helene speak for her? I think not. As for the Kupuna Council, did we vote for Emily or a bunch of people to make decisions that she should be making herself?
I know as a man that there is a place for "good" women in politics and maybe they can begin to turn around the "old boy" way of doing things.
You would have to be blind or dumb (or rich) not to understand the motivation of most politicians (and those who have moved to these islands to change them and make it like the place they just left) is....MONEY.
Yes, the odds may be against Ms. Naeole but my money and heart are w/her.
Rodion, it appears you watch Colbert for his satiracle (sp)
look at politics. If you are buying into that line and accepting it as "the rule" than so shall it be!
Wankine, I don't know what your ethnic background is but I have to say you come off a bit classist. Just because someone does not speak as you do, does not mean that they are not capable of doing a job well.
Please try and remember where you are.
Questions
Are we to understand that Emily’s aid Mrs Hale is on administrative leave with full pay?
Is Mrs Hale hiding behind her allegation of misconduct that Emily has committed to collect her paycheck?
What happens if Mrs Hale’s allegations are unfounded?
Will we the tax payers be reimbursed for her administrative leave paychecks?
If Mrs Hale is found to be truthful will Emily be fined enough money to cover this paid vacation?
All of this is quite interesting and very entertaining, but the bottom line is that we the tax payers of Puna are not getting what we have already paid for. In any other form of business this would be called fraud and these people would be subject to arrest. Instead we are asked to look for the Aloha spirit, and feel all the love that comes from the heart. To stop whining and support the incompetence of this failing office. I for one would like to fire the whole bunch and start with a clean slate. This will never happen because we brought this upon our self when we elected these [as Rex would say, “BOOZO’S”].
The Lack
First, "stupid" is no word for civil discourse. Anyone wo uses it as nothing to say that is worth hearing.
Second. Nothing has been said about a "Kupuna Council" making decisons. Such a group of folks is simply a sounding board and a means of communications. It has been used to good effect many times by elected officials in many places. Again, criticism here is just blowing hot air.
Finally, what is with all the anatomy? Balls? Breasts? Heart? Wow! Get a life.
And I do believe that Ms. Naeole is genuine in her approach and sincere in her beliefs. She just needs to get things together to produce some results for her constituents. My wish list for Puna is NOT getting all the subdivision roads paved, getting county water, or getting a freeway through here. My wishes are for decent police and fire services, better medical services, and a thoughtfully arranged county transportation framework. I would be happy and probably vote for Ms. Naeole next time if she would just start the ball rolling on ONE of those things.
Yes, I know where I am. I am in beautiful Puna, and I want to keep it that way as much as I can. Class has nothing to do with my opinion of Ms. Naeole. Results have everthing to do with it.
My apologies. It just did sound a tad racist/classist as it was phrased. I do think that actions speak louder than words and let us envision those actions happening.
I am w/you on your wishes for Puna and the mind is a powerful thing!