Maui County Mayor Accused of Wrongful Termination in Whistleblower Case
A lawsuit has been filed against Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, alleging wrongful termination of his former chief of staff, Leo Caires. The lawsuit claims Caires was fired for reporting suspected fraud involving public funds in the mayor's office. Filed in Hawaii’s 2nd Circuit Court, the lawsuit accuses Bissen of violating the Hawaii Whistleblowers’ Protection Act. Caires' attorney, Joseph Rosenbaum, stated that Caires acted as a responsible public servant by reporting the suspected fraud. Mayor Bissen has denied the allegations, asserting that the claims are inaccurate and expressing confidence in prevailing in court. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and damages, alleging that Caires' job duties were reduced and he was demoted before being fired while on medical leave. 
