I was surprised to see that I haven’t updated this compilation of my published articles and blog posts about the racketeering case against former business owner Michael J. Miske Jr. since late last year (2022).
So, here goes.
I’m starting with stories that were published by Civil Beat since early October 2022, when I posted the last “look back.”
This includes 21 stories during 2023, and another four in the last three months of 2022.
A correction is necessary to my recent post here, “It could have been a simple traffic ticket, Part 2.” The post was later reprinted by Civil Beat (“The Miske Files: An Officer Gets Caught In The Crossfire“).
The original version of this story incorrectly reported in the very last sentence that the police officers’ union had successfully challenged his termination. That was factually incorrect.
Mahalo to Michelle Wu from HPD’s Media Liaison Office, for calling the error to my attention.
It has been corrected (as shown below), with a similar correction at Civil Beat.
In May 2021, three year after Lee’s termination by HPD, an arbitrator denied a grievance filed on his behalf by the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, and allowed his dismissal to stand.
The arbitrator acknowledged Lee’s exemplary performance record in more than 20 year as a police officer, but determined the department’s action had not been arbitrary, capricious, or unreasonable, and she had no authority to second-guess the department’s decision absent “compelling evidence” that it had abused its discretion.
Lee said he is now retired with full benefits, which were not affected by the ruling.
I’m glad to have the story appear over at Civil Beat, where it will reach a broader audience than my blog can aspire to.
Actually, I had intended to write it for CB originally, but had trouble pulling it together and missed all of my own internal deadlines. That’s how it ended up as a couple of blog posts when it finally came together.
Here’s the Civil Beat headline on today’s Part 1.
The Miske Files: When Two Cops Refused To Let A Blown-Off Traffic Stop Slide
Documents in the federal case against Mike Miske alleging murder and organized crime activities tell the story of how two Honolulu police officers got caught up in what would turn out to be a much bigger case.
Part 1 is available at Civil Beat today, and Part 2 will follow tomorrow.
While you’re at it, please consider a donation to support Civil Beat, which has become an important part of the media scene in Hawaii.
Kokua Market, which passed its 50th anniversary a couple of years ago, quietly closed its doors earlier this month, according to a statement posted on its website.
Kokua Market was the trade name of the Kokua Country Foods Cooperative, first registered to do business on December 11, 1970.
Surprisingly, there doesn’t seem to have been a peep in the news about the final collapse of this alternative local institution.
From its website:
For over 50 years, Kokua has filled a unique role on Oahu — thought and practice leadership in sustainable food systems; supporting small farms and food producers; and offering consumers a meaningful healthy alternative to corporate food merchandisers. Your board of directors is deeply grateful for your loyalty over the last half century. We could not have existed this long without your support.
Unfortunately, market forces today have rendered the co-op financially unable to continue under the present business model, at the present location. Regrettably, it is time — indeed, it is necessary — to stop the bleeding, step back, evaluate the alternatives, and decide whether there are other options. We will pursue that evaluation and make that decision as promptly and responsibly as possible.
After very careful consideration, the Board of Directors has decided to close Kokua Market at King Street this Saturday, September 9th at 5 p.m.
Supporters had gathered on July 8 in a last-minute attempt to generate the support necessary to keep the store afloat.
“Without community support, this event could be a “last hurrah” for Hawaii’s original natural foods cooperative,” organizers said in a press release.
After an earlier near-death experience in 2019, supporters had stepped up and raised more than $100,000 in a few days to keep Kokua Market in business.
This time around, though, it was too late. Covid, and “market forces,” had continued to take a toll over the past four years, leading to the difficult decision to close.
It’s really the end of an era. Kokua Market was grounded in the spirit of the 60s counterculture and its rejection of the corporate world.
We can only hope that it’s not the end of that vision of a community-owned, community-based, participatory and non-profit alternative.