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Politics, Commentary
Politics, Commentary Sunday
06Apr
Will Higa survive costly sex scandal?
Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 08:57AM Will taxpayers be the only ones held accountable?
Yesterday's headline in the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, while not entirely accurate, will certainly hurt Councilman Stacy Higa's reputation and credibility, but the substance of the story should send his mayoral campaign careening right off its rails.
The headline assigned all the blame to Higa when the story clearly indicates there was plenty to go around, from Connie Kiriu to Jimmy Arakaki to the whole boys-will-be-boys culture of county government.
Still Higa is mostly to blame -- his actions set the whole sordid affair in motion -- and if he had a conscience he'd resign from the County Council and quit the mayor's race. But I suspect he's unlikely to do either one.
Higa's "family" attorney, Brian De Lima, provided the boilerplate denial of wrongdoing that is almost as damning as admitting culpability. It's not "wrong and irresponsible to suggest," as De Lima asserts, that Higa did anything wrong when the complaint itself detailed the allegations against Higa that prompted the judge's reported decision to award the victim in the case $272,000.
The story mentions that the county could appeal but I'm not sure whose interests that might serve. Maybe Higa and Arakaki didn't get a proper opportunity to defend themselves but my understanding is that the hard evidence against Higa is too damaging to go that route despite his public protestations.
It also looks like former Councilman Jimmy Arakaki will get a pass for his role since he's out of office and not a candidate. So if, as expected, the culture that led to this costly scandal inside County government is not properly addressed, no one will be held accountable except taxpayers.
Does anyone think either Higa or Arakaki will pony up to pay taxpayers back for their transgressions?
Kudos to Cameron Johnson for getting the story. The secrecy surrounding taxpayers being billed for this kind of county "service" is contemptible and needs to be aired.
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Reader Comments (16)
Higa's reputation as a brutish bully remains untarnished and, in fact, continues to grow.
"...conscience ..."?
If only.
This outcome certainly can be interpreted as a smear on the whole of County government. That would not be justice served.
It is true that none of the 3 culpable individuals will bear any personal financial responsibility.
Higa, the 'Big Daddy' of the bunch, may see his political ambitions ended. For example, it gets hard to imagine -- as happened in 2006 -- seeing Higa again swooshing through the County building in stride with US Congresswoman Hirono.
Perhaps, at least, this will give other victims more courage to speak up when subject to such behavior.
I thought he might DIE from the scandal.
Will this hurt his chances.... well it can't help.
The 'defendant' is the County, and Mr Higa is the one named as initiating acts; Mr Arakaki and Ms Kiriu for their actions in support of Higa. This was established months ago, including here at hunterbishop.com. Not hearsay.
Judge Mr Higa on his actions? Having been a co-worker of the victim in this case at the time of the harassment, that is pretty much what I am doing.
"Ego: The fallacy whereby a goose thinks he's a swan"- anonymous
and In Higa's case
"Ego: The fallacy whereby a rat thinks he should be Mayor of Hawaii County"- anonymous Hilo voter.......
An administrative law charge is much more than a justice of the peace or a District Court judge in Hawaii who arraigns folks. He is a sitting federal judge who hears evidence and examines witnesses and comes up with a conclusion that usually sticks. Until there is a reversal, I consider the conclusion as speaking pounds of truth.
This simply is not analogous to the Brian Jordan-Waiakea High issue.
Mr. Higa, if you really care about the people of Hilo then RESIGN now!!
Ok yes the signs are still up, hung by people willing to jump on a sinking ship. Leadership begins with character of which Stacy Higa is without. Good luck gathering votes....
If he truly meant when he said he found God then he would do the right thing and walk away. He would apolologize to his constituents, supporters, friends, residents of the Big Island, and most importantly his family. Its time to put his pride aside for once and own up to the mistakes.
Anyone. Will this case ever become public record since its public funds being used? Hard Working Taxpaying Funds?
Who you trying to convince?! Or are you just trying to rationalize your support for Higa.
The only support Higa has is those he promised something to (which sounds like you), he owes something to (and they hoping they can collect), those he bought using our taxpayer discretionary fund, and finally,those he mislead.
Can you imagine the damage he could do to our Island if left in power in ANY elected office?....look at what he has already done to the people's trust in the short 3 years he has been in office.
The only thing Higa has proven to this community is that he is a power hungry, slime bag, trouble maker, and incapable of being trusted.
Looking at his face and name makes me sick. Putting up more signs and banners will only fuel resentment and prove what an arrogant egotisitical fool he is.
Higa is toast!
You best Get a Life Mamo. It's OK to move on.
it is right that you speak up for whom ever you support.
if you gave good reasons, it would probably help to make it understood why you do support Stacy Higa for Mayor.
do not underestimate the amount of animosity -- right or wrongly -- that Stacy Higa has generated during his time on the Council.
repeated episodes of the same behavior pattern:
aggression toward and exploitation of his position of formal authority and power over those vulnerable to that authority and power... coincidence? or classic?