Council OKs additional $20K for Special Counsel for OPA

LIHU‘E — Taxpayers’ money that has already been approved to be spent on private attorneys’ fees on matters related to POHAKU (Productive Optimism Helps All Kaua‘i) diversionary program keeps snowballing: It is now at $35,000.

The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday approved up to $20,000 for special counsel’s continued representation of the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney concerning POHAKU and related matters. Earlier this year, the council had approved $15,000 for the same purpose.

After nearly two hours in an executive session behind closed doors, the council returned to open session to vote on the County Attorney’s Office request for up to $15,000 from OPA.

The County Attorney’s Office represents all county departments. However, earlier this year, County Attorney Al Castillo asked the council to hire special counsel for OPA because his office conflicted out with the prosecuting attorney in matters related to POHAKU, according to Councilman Tim Bynum.

The council’s agenda Wednesday states the request was for $10,000. But Council Chair Jay Furfaro said the actual figure in Castillo’s communication to the council was $15,000.

After Castillo’s initial request was clarified, Bynum asked his colleagues to increase the amount by an additional $5,000.

Bynum said later that he asked for a higher ceiling for special counsel for OPA to avoid having another request for funding in the near future.

The council’s decision, however, wasn’t unanimous. Council Vice Chair JoAnn Yukimura voted against the amendment and the main motion for approval (Councilman Dickie Chang was absent at the meeting).

“I disagree with the scope of work that the special counsel has been given,” Yukimura said minutes after the council meeting.

• Léo Azambuja, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or lazambuja@ thegardenisland.com.