Hawaii: Crime and Corruption

HPD Major indicted on federal felony corruption charges
Reported by: Marisa Yamane

A high-ranking member of the Honolulu Police Department has been indicted on felony corruption charges.

According to the FBI, the charges stem from Major Carlton Nishimura's alleged involvement with illegal game rooms.

The alleged crimes date back to 2004, when Nishimura was a Captain in the Chinatown and Downtown areas.

Federal agents believe Nishimura was getting paid for tips on upcoming raids.

Honolulu Police Department Major Carlton Nishimura turned himself in to federal authorities this morning.

Yesterday, a federal grand jury indicted the 55-year old Waianae resident on charges of extortion, attempting to tamper with a witness, and making false statements.

"I really feel it is disappointing we have someone this high up involved," said Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock, Chinatown Business and Community Association.

Nishimura has been with HPD for 30 years.

"He has so many years in a our community so we all look up to him," said Shubert-Kwock.

Nishimura is accused of giving an illegal game room operator inside information in exchange for money, from April 2004 to March 2006.

He was a Captain in the Department during those years, assigned to District 1, which covers Chinatown and Downtown.

"It is still an indictment, an alleged, so we can't run to the conclusion that he's guilty but we do know that there have always been rumors and whispering that gambling places are protected because they never go away and keep moving or avoid raids and always reappear," said Shubert-Kwock.

Most recently, Nishimura was assigned to the Legislative Liaison Office -- lobbying for bills on behalf of HPD.

"I have found him to be a very honorable, respectable police officer. It is shocking to see this type of announcement," said Sen. Will Espero, (D) Senate Public Safety Chair.

"He used to come into hearings and was always pleasant very trustworthy so when something like this happens. It's really sad," said Honolulu City Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi.

Nishimura is also accused of lying to FBI agents, and trying to persuade a witness to lie as well in connection with the investigation.

This afternoon, Nishimura made his initial appearance in federal court.

He pleaded not guilty and was released on $50,000 bail.

Nishimura's police powers are now restricted

His trial is scheduled to start on April 19th.