Honolulu building plans examiner admits to taking bribes
JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER, Associated Press
April 7, 2021
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HONOLULU (AP) A Honolulu building plans examiner admitted during a court hearing Wednesday that she expedited a local architect s projects in exchange for bribes.
Kanani Padeken, who was put on paid leave from the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting, and architect William Wong pleaded guilty to honest services wire fraud during separate hearings.
Wong s attorney, Megan Kau, said previously he was forced to “pay to play” because of greedy employees at the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting.
Four other former and current employees of the department were also charged in the bribery scheme.