Mel's company, M&P Legal Support
Services LLC, was paid $43,026.20 to serve subpoenas for the Office
of Prosecuting Attorney between July 2009 and May 2012, according to
a review of public records.
Throughout that time, Mel has actively
defended and supported Shay during Council sessions, including some
that he chaired. He also has repeatedly and publicly accused County
Attorney Al Castillo and Councilman Tim Bynum of having a conflict of interest
with the Office of Prosecuting Attorney, to the point of cutting Tim
off when he was questioning Shay.
Mel, a former police sergeant who
left KPD following the Monica Alves Fanta-See Express scandal, first
entered into a contract with the OPA in June 2008, under former
Prosecutor Craig DeCosta. He was hired to serve subpoenas to
witnesses of domestic violence.
In May 2009, Shay replaced the term
“subpoena services” with “legal documents,” added an
additional $14,000 to his contract and extended it to Sept. 30, 2010.
It was extended again, until Sept. 30, 2011, and then again. His most
recent contract expired on Sept. 30.
In 2009, Rapozo was paid $16,580. In
2010, the total was $12,505. In 2011, it was $12,890. So far this
year, he has been paid $1,851.20 for services provided in January,
February, April and May. It's unclear whether any billings are
outstanding, as I requested copies of paid invoices.
I did send Mel an email asking if he
had ever sought or received guidance from the Board of Ethics or any
other agency as to whether his employment with OPA created a conflict
of interest with his Council duties. But he did not reply.
Before coming on the Council in 2010, Mel also was a part-time investigator employed by Shay in the OPA. Councilman KipuKai Kualii also previously worked fulltime for Shay at OPA, resigning when he was appointed to the Council.
Before coming on the Council in 2010, Mel also was a part-time investigator employed by Shay in the OPA. Councilman KipuKai Kualii also previously worked fulltime for Shay at OPA, resigning when he was appointed to the Council.
Meanwhile, Ken Taylor and Glenn
Mickens, both staunch Shay supporters — Ken donated $200 to her
campaign and Glenn has written endorsement letters to the newspaper —
have filed a conflict of interest complaint with the Board of Ethics
against County Attorney Al Castillo.
The complaint alleges that Al “used
his position to secure a special benefit-to obtain political
advantage for his Deputy County Attorney, Justin Kollar,”
according to the text of an email that Ken distributed, along with a
copy of the complaint.
Ken and Glenn make reference to “bias” and “vindictive actions,” as well
as “perfectly timed attacks,” making it unclear whether they're
talking about themselves, Mel, Shay or the subject of their
complaint.
They also claim that Al made an Office
of Disciplinary Counsel complaint that prevented then law clerk Gary
Nelson from graduating with his class after he offered testimony on
behalf of Shay. However, in the September 2011 Council meeting
transcripts they submitted to support that claim, Gary notes he had
just graduated and taken the bar. Btw, Gary is now earning the same top pay as deputy prosecutors with decades of experience.
I was interested to peruse those
transcripts and see how both Mel and KipuKai were vigorously supporting Shay in the whole “shall vs may” conflict, which
revolved around Shay's opposition to having the Salary Commission set
caps on the pay of her deputies.
In light of the wildly extravagant
raises she granted within the past few months, which I reported yesterday, it seems wise that Shay had some limits imposed upon her.
In addition to filing the BOE
complaint, Ken publicly testified at recent Council meetings that he
felt both Al and Councilman Bynum, who is suing the county, Shay and
planning inspector Sheila Miyake, had conflicts of interest in
matters concerning the OPA.
However, when I asked him if he was
aware of Mel's contract with OPA, and whether he thought that
constituted a conflict, Ken did not reply.
Posts
53 comments:
All of this latest information you obtained is enough to make us plain folks vomit! What more evidence of fiscal irresponsibility, hypocrisy, wanton political paybacks, you name it, does one need, before SOMEONE steps in to put a stop to this?There is a "cancer growing" in our midst and it has infected even those who used to be alert government watchdogs but have now decided to back up the PA, calling the process a "witch hunt" and relying instead on a highly paid deputy attorney cum blogger's press releases. I can only hope that some voters are taking the time to be fully informed before they vote!
Thank you Joan for keeping this voter informed.
Joan,
I bet your shovel is very stinky from digging up all the shit on Shay?
Dr Shibai
What did ethics say about KipuKai's alleged conflict of interest with OPA?
The YWCA, where he works, gets OPA money and I seem to recall that ethics ruled on whether it was a conflict of interest for him to vote on OPA matters - but I can't remember which way ethics ruled.
If KipuKai has a conflict for the Y taking OPA money so that he sould not participate in OPA budget and oversight, then it would appear that Mel does too. If KipuKai has no conflict, then its no problem for Mel.
Mel is a sleazy loud-mouthed hypocrit. He is always pointing the finger at others but never takes responsibility for his own actions. Just like Shaylene.
KipuKai works for a nonprofit that gets federal money for programs. Mel gets money directly to his for profit business. Big difference in my mind.
WANTED: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, County of Kauai.
Must be licensed to practice law in Hawaii. Must pretend boss' excessive drinking is normal. In fact, must be willing to drive her home from bars from time to time. Must pretend First Deputy's compulsive secret recording conversations with others is normal. Must not become attached to other deputies, as they come and go pretty quickly. Must pretend not to notice boss and First Deputy lie/tell half-truths on TV to the County Council. Must be willing to work countless hours but not get frustrated by a few favorite deputies doing very little real work, yet making more money than you. Must donate to boss' re-election campaign and/or actively assist on campaign.
Pay: starting in the $70,000 range but will very quickly increase to the $100,000 range if you assist in re-election efforts.
Mel is a buffoon but he's probably going to get elected anyway
This has been pointed out through Joan's blogs for a year and nothing has been done. That's why I believe Alves niece was a expendable commodity to retaliate against her for winning and embarrassing KPD. You cannot add x and y without putting in the variables. This organized criminals think that they are smarter than the rest if us but now all of their dirty deeds is being exposed. Bookem Dano, Hop sing get the rope!
Hey Joan-
Did you see Shaylene's new press release taking credit for the Appellate Court affirming Daria Bruce's huge Church Theft conviction?
In the Press Release Shaylene states who the Defense Attorney was on appeal, but she fails to mention who the DPA who successfully handled the appeal was. Could that be becasue it was none other than Tracy Murakami who quit and now supports JUSTIN KOLLAR FOR PROSECUTING ATTORNEY.
And the trial was in 2008, which means that Craig DeCosta (who also supports Justin Kollar for Prosecutor) was the Prosecutor at the time of the trial conviction.
Auwe Shaylene give credit to those who deserve it.
Not to mention it was Mauna Kea Trask who did Bruce's trial. He was just in a newspaper ad supporting Kollar last week. Funny his name didn't come up in the press release either!
I bet it is a land slide Nov 6, Justin is going to crush her. I think people are going to be surprised how much he is going to win by.
And the deputy prosecutor who took the case to trial was Mauna Kea Trask, another Justin Kollar supporter. Mauna Kea, Tracy and Craig all say vote for Justin!
Mel has gone to the Board of Ethics and it was decided that he DID NOT have a conflict of with the OPA.
There was a open procurement offered by the OPA for serving papers for the office. Mel's company was the only bidder. He then went to the BOE and asked if this would create a conflict. It was an open procurement the BOE expressed and not a thing was done under the table and the BOE gave its blessing. Mel's company was then awarded the contract.
Get ready to bust out the mainland classifieds Jacob and Charles. Burning bridges on an Island. Smart move.
SHAYME on you! A drunken lunatic is a lunatic but what is your excuse.
By the way, scorched earth policy is never a good practice. You get burned too.
Let's see a fact check on 9:04 pm.
The BOE "blessing" was only for Mel to take the contract. They did NOT say he could still vote on OPA issues because he never asked.
Supporting the candidate of your choice is burning bridges? I don't think so.
Glen and Ken report Al but have no problem with Shay or Jake?
It's how you support the candidate that makes the difference. Do you engage in campaign activities during work hours? Do you spend more time on non-prosecutorial duties like blogging, writing press releases, planning or attending council meetings, charter commission meetings, community meetings, etc. than you do reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, preparing for court hearings, etc.? Are you a total douche bag who is willing to do whatever imbecilic task that your drunken boss can think of without question? Amazingly enough, it matters. Especially when you have marginal skills.
Hey Charley,
Since you are obviously reading this blog by your 7:23 am comment, perhaps you can enlighten us as to why Shaylene tried to take credit in the new press release (and not give credit to Tracy for successfully handling the Daria Bruce appeal)?
And let's hear your response regarding the Mundon Appeal. Didnot the Supreme Court Judges give you a hard time in oral arguments over the way Shaylene conducted the trial and what evidence she tried to bring in and comments she made?
It sounded like the Supreme Court plans to overturn the remaing sex assault conviction right?
Why dont you put the tape of the oral argument in your blog?
It's a crime to drive the County car for personal use. Shay and Jake used County cars to commute to and from work every day. They parked next to the Chief. Mel Rapozo knew that Shay and Jake drove the car home every day. Do you see the Chief or Mel going after Shay or Jake? Why not? Chief, a crime was being committed before your very eyes for days on end. What's up?
Notice TGI "voters guide" that came out yesterday? Mel,Furfaro and Nakamura are all MIA - they so confident they don't even need to advertise.
Reading this mornings news, it appears that Iseri Carvalho could get a job as a manager at Senior Frogs if her scorched earth tactics backfire.
Smearing Laverne B and Tim B and Al C and other good people on your blog, just because your check signer does not like them, people who have to work with the OPA, that is burning bridges regardless of politics.
BTW is it true 2 more OPA deputies just went out "sick" or "stress" until after the election? Besides Lisa and Melinda, is anyone left there actually prosecuting next week?
I wonder who they voted for - Ill bet Kollar.
Glen and Ken are turncoats like Asing. Horace would be highly disappointed with these men who support a Tyranny of Shayme.
Come on his brother is one of the most dangerous men not only on Kauai but possibly the World. You really don't know!
Joan and Readers:
I read Ken Taylor and Glen Micken's claims to the Board of Ethics and would like to provide some factual information to refute their claims that I made a donation to Justin Kollar's campaign prior to the EEOC settlement and also to refute their claims that the county attorney did not discuss settlements with OPA.
The evidence:
1) EEOC Mediation occurred on Friday, April 27th in Honolulu. Those present included my attorneys, Margery Bronster and Andrew Pepper, Marc Guyot, Jake Delaplane(Representing the OPA), and myself.
2) The settlement was approved by the Kauai County Council on Wed., May 30th via ES-549.
3) I received my portion of the settlement in my bank account on or about July 3, 2012.
4) I made a $200.00 payment to the Justin Kollar campaign on July 26, 2012.
I wonder if Glen Mickens and Ken Taylor are aware that not only was my settlement discussed with OPA but that OPA participated in the EEOC mediation in Honolulu? Jake Delaplane represented OPA at the EEOC mediation held in Hololulu on April 27th and in fact, the Kauai taxpayers paid for Jake to attend. This can be substantiated through OIP requests for Jake's plane ticket to Oahu as well as the rental car (he chose not to carpool with the county attorney but to rent his own--also on taxpayers dime.)
Shay and Mel's allies are in the BOE, tjhats why they get away with obvious criminal acts and if you all really knew what goes on in the YWCA protected ghettos then you all would start to see the big picture on how they operate.
Title of this Blog should be:
Mel's A Double Dip Shit and Double Dipping
Shay has used her office to punish her opponents, expose the county to all sorts of liability, give big fat raises to political supporters (nice return on investment) and who knows what else. It's discouraging when community leaders encourage and support this kind of behavior.
TO Erin Wilson.
Thank you for the information. One reasonably concludes that Mickens and Taylor got their false information from Shay and Jake. Gee... Shay and Jake lying! Can it be?!
Mel should be conflicting out when there are votes pertaining to the OPA. He certainly shouldn't be running the meeting and preventing other councilmembers from questioning Shay. He's obviously protecting her and gives the appearance of protecting a business client. Appearances are everything Mel. Your alliance with Shaylene may NOT be such a wise political move.
Too many people let her do whatever she wants and what she wants is to screw with people's lives. Against bullying but supporting Shay? Really? Against drug abuse but supporting Shay and her legendary displays in bars and restaurants? Seriously? Against wasteful spending but supporting Shay and her generous salary structure? You've got to be kidding. Against discrimination but no problem with all the EEOC cases? Remove head from okole and look around.
Minnie Me thinks he's apart of a team but doesn't know or care that the militia he serves is a murderous one. One of Kauai's most dangerous men is head of this group who serves in several high profile positions on Kauai. His brother is in a top position. Have anyone noticed that since these people have taken total control of Kauai that our crime, burglaries, robberies, theft , assault, white collar crime, drugs and murder rates has gone up and yet they boast on records that are suspect at best.
The comments on this blog are Whiner-Whacko paradise. What a bunch of nudniks (nudnik- A person who makes a situation or circumstance far better by their absence)
Please vote!
My hope for Wednesday morning: Mel, Shay and either Kualii or Chang are no longer in office. This really points out the hypocrisy, conflict of interest and overall arrogance of some of our politicians. We deserve better but we're stupid enough to keep voting for these idiots.
Mel didn't prevent Tim from questioning Shay. He prevented Tim from letting Shay fully answer his questions. Many, many people saw in that exchange that Shay had the facts on her side and Tim was trying to prevent her from telling them.
Lol, good one. Do you even believe this stuff anymore?
I will take Chang over Kualii any day! Kualii is so arrogant. Look at how he talks to people. Lets put him in number 8 again!
6:27
Fantasy or dilusion?
The documents presented that day and the testimony from Hale O Pio speak for themselves. Shay single handily shuts down Teen Court after 17 years and the County is moving to correct the wrong. You can't just make up "facts",
Ken Taylor supports Shay. I don't know whether to laugh or laugh hysterically.
Charley the Top posted this comment: "May the bridges I burn light the way." He forgot to add: "out of town" or "to the unemployment office". What a douche bag.
He obviously suffers from delusions of grandeur, just like his boss.
How odd that Charley didn't become such a Shay fan until she put him on the payroll. It's not HER payroll mind you, it's the taxpayers'. Charley and Shay are County employees, they're supposed to be public servants, not self-serving.
It's not so odd. Selling out for a big paycheck is as old as capitalism.
If Shay wins Charley should still send out resumes. She won't need a deputy blogger after the election, especially one that gets paid $101,000.
Who cares who ken is voting for?
I'll take Mel over Bynam anyday, get the whiner out.
At least Tim has some integrity, which Mel is totally lacking.
10:16 -- Especially if he blew the Mundon case
I just listened to the Mundon argument. The justice said the problem was with how the original first case was charged. That was before Shay was even elected. He also seems to think that the prosecutor was not allowed to charge the sex assault charge in the second case because of what happened in the first case. That means nobody in the prosecutors office could do anything about it after the first trial. Not Shay and not Charley.
11:29am: Not correct. Listen to it again. Amongst their chief concerns, the Supreme Court expressed displeasure in the trial attorney, Shaylene, bringing in evidence and testimony that Mundon was already acquitted of in the first trial. In other words Shaylene is responsible if the lone remaining sex offense is overturned.
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