QUESTION: Whatever happened with the state investigation of internal security breaches in the state
Department of Taxation’s computer database discovered in 2011, and which resulted in disciplinary action against some employees?

ANSWER: A number of tax department employees who were investigated in connection with the security breaches have been “arrested and relieved of their duties,” said state Rep. John Mizuno, vice chairman of the House Legislative Management Committee, which is monitoring the case.

Mizuno said he spoke with members of the governor’s information technology staff, but said he didn’t have additional details of the investigation, such as the number of employees arrested.

The department announced on Dec. 15, 2011, that an audit uncovered breaches of its computer database going back at least to 2008. The department said it referred the matter to the state attorney general and had placed employees on unpaid administrative leave.

Mallory Fujitani, department spokeswoman, said this month that 21 department employees were investigated, up from the 14 originally reported.

Fujitani said she could not say if the employees are back at work, still on leave or no longer with the department.

“A lot of the folks on leave are still in the appeals process, so that’s why I can’t say much,” she said.

“Out of respect and because it is a personnel issue, I’m not allowed to share more information about that now.”

Asked what type of information was compromised or whether any individuals or businesses have been notified that their confidential information may have been affected, Fujitani said she could not comment.

Anne Lopez, special assistant to the attorney general, said she is unable to make public any information about her office’s investigation.

“Basically, the attorney general’s position is we simply don’t comment on investigations,” Lopez said.

“Whether they’re ongoing or not, the policy was implemented so there’s never any privacy issues that come up and to stay away from speculation.”

Jodi Endo Chai, senior adviser with the Hawaii Government Employees Association, which represents some employees involved in the investigation, said the union “is not in a position to comment on pending grievances.”

Asked what the Legislature might do to deal with the breaches, Rep. Scott Nishimoto, chairman of the House Legislative Management committee, said, “The last I’ve heard, it was still an ongoing investigation. There were confidentiality requirements and they (the tax department) couldn’t tell us much, given it was still open. I believe once the investigation is over, we’ll get a report about what can be done.”