Is it time for an anti-corruption force in Hawaii?

When Hong Kong’s police superintendent was under investigation for graft in 1973, he skipped town. Widespread protests ensued against corruption that was endemic to the police force.

In response, Hong Kong instituted the ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) reporting directly to the governor, not the police force.

Select members of the ICAC, unbeknownst to rank-and-file police officers, were tasked to accompany them on their daily beat disguised as police officers, reporting any malfeasance encountered along the way.

Hong Kong’s police force since then has won a reputation as one of the cleanest in the world.

Police corruption is a problem plaguing many American cities big and small across the country.

If Hawaii institutes an ICAC, perhaps the rest of the country would take note and follow suit.

Steven E. Connell

Hawaii Kai

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