Board discussing
charges against
SHOPO head

President Bennie Atkinson
is accused of mishandling
$64,000 in union money

By Jaymes K. Song
Star-Bulletin

The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers' board has scheduled a special closed meeting on Monday to discuss possible wrongdoings by its president.

An internal investigation was opened after a member accused its president, Honolulu police Lt. Bennie Atkinson, of mishandling more than $64,000 of union funds.

The board will present Atkinson with the findings from its investigation and possible charges of procedural misconduct, a SHOPO board member said yesterday.

If charges are presented, Atkinson will have 30 days to respond. Disciplinary actions -- which could include suspension or removal from his union position -- would be decided at that time.

The meeting will be at union headquarters in Kalihi Kai.

Detective Alex Garcia said last month that he had investigated the case and told the union he found matters of "great concern and of serious nature."

He recommended that Atkinson be removed as SHOPO president and that the matter be referred to the U.S. Attorney's office for further investigation.

Accusations arose when SHOPO checks were found written to a Los Angeles man, who is the owner of an advertising agency with ties to a retired Honolulu police officer.

The funds were allocated for creating newspaper and television commercials supporting SHOPO-endorsed politicians in this year's general election in Hawaii.

Two of the three advertising packages were not completed, and that portion of the funds was returned to SHOPO.

The Los Angeles man also received money to create the union's newsletter.

Although no funds are missing, the board is looking into why a Los Angeles-based business was used instead of a local company, which board members say may have done the advertising and newsletter for less money.

The board is trying to determine whether Atkinson violated any procedural policies in distributing the projects and funds.

Atkinson could not be reached for comment yesterday.