Fired HTA executive awarded over $500k in whistleblower lawsuit

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A Honolulu jury found Gov. Josh Green’s chief of staff liable for illegally firing a former tourism official who complained about the misuse of resources at the Hawaii Tourism Authority Tuesday.

The jury awarded Isaac Choy, a former legislator and HTA executive, $504,000 in damages, including more than $454,000 in lost wages and $50,000 in punitive damages.

Whistleblower claims

Choy claimed he was fired for blowing the whistle on issues including unpaid contracts, improper purchasing and free perks for HTA board member Mufi Hannemann.

The governor’s chief of staff, Brooke Wilson, and interim HTA Chair Caroline Anderson claimed Choy was fired for workplace violations, including racist and sexist comments.

Jury’s verdict

In the verdict, the jury said Choy was fired in retaliation for raising concerns at HTA, Wilson did not have the authority to fire him and that his workplace comments were not the true reason he was terminated.

“The jury ultimately found that he was retaliated against and being put on leave without pay and his termination and that whatever Mr. Choy may have said or done, that it was not a sufficient basis to put him on leave without pay, which is never done in the state, and also to terminate him for these allegations,” said Bruce Voss, Choy’s attorney.

Attorney, state respond

Voss said because Wilson did not have authority over HTA and acted out of aggravation, she is responsible for paying the damages personally.

The state Department of the Attorney General defended Wilson and HTA and said they disagree with the verdict and are considering options, including an appeal.

Choy is not seeking reinstatement.