The federal lawsuit between a 15-year Kaua‘i Police Department veteran and the department, county, and several of her bosses has been given a 2006 trial date. Officer Darla Abbatiello, who filed suit against the KPD, the county, and numerous officers
The federal lawsuit between a 15-year Kaua‘i Police Department veteran and the department, county, and several of her bosses has been given a 2006 trial date.
Officer Darla Abbatiello, who filed suit against the KPD, the county, and numerous officers including current and former chiefs of police, alleges civil-rights violations and whistleblower protection act violations.
It is scheduled to go to trial on Feb. 22, 2006, according to Abbatiello’s lawyer, Margery S. Bronster.
In a court hearing last week, Bronster said, the trial date was given, and initial disclosure of information is scheduled for March.
“I think we’re on the right track,” said Bronster. “There’s an awful lot to be done.”
The complaint, lodged in U.S. District Court in Honolulu in September, alleges that when Abbatiello received information about a suspected drug dealer supposedly paying a police officer or officers for protection, she reported it to her supervisors.
But according to the complaint, after the information was reported, the officer accused by the suspected drug dealer of taking the money, Sgt. Irvil Kapua, continually verbally harassed and threatened Abbatiello.
The complaint also alleged KPD supervisors did not do an investigation, and no disciplinary action was taken against Kapua. In fact, the complaint alleged, Abbatiello was told to avoid Kapua. Also named in the suit are KPD Chief K.C. Lum, former Interim Chief Wilfred Ihu, Assistant Chief Gordon Isoda, and Lt. Dean Pigao.
Tom Finnegan, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252)
