A Maui police lieutenant accused of taking cash to shield criminals will remain in federal custody while his case moves forward, a judge ruled Tuesday.
Lt. Michael Vaituulala, an 18-year veteran of the Maui Police Department, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Prosecutors allege he repeatedly accepted money from illegal cockfight organizers and drug dealers, then provided protection and confidential police information to help them avoid enforcement.
At a detention hearing Tuesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeannette Graviss outlined allegations dating to 2019, including an incident where Vaituulala allegedly intervened after a suspected drunk driver crashed into a median and had open containers in the car, directing officers to release the driver. Graviss described the conduct as part of a broader pattern.
In seeking detention, prosecutors argued he might obstruct justice by destroying evidence or contacting witnesses. They said he deleted his Instagram account shortly before his arrest. Graviss also told the court his disclosures put people at risk, including confidential sources, and that he tipped off a suspected drug distributor about a federal wiretap investigating large quantities of meth and other narcotics on Maui.
She added he could be a flight risk due to frequent travel and a Maui home currently listed for sale. Vaituulala’s case comes as the community continues to scrutinize the Maui Police Department and its leadership.
Defense attorney Gary Singh said Vaituulala has surrendered his passport and registered firearm, and would follow all release conditions, including any no-contact orders. “He’s a law enforcement officer, he knows better,” Singh said.
Graviss countered that his conduct showed otherwise. Judge Rom Trader agreed to detain Vaituulala, describing a “Jekyll and Hyde” persona and citing allegations that he shared details of an investigation into a package suspected of containing meth and cocaine shipped to Hawaiʻi through the U.S. Postal Service.
The judge said such disclosures could endanger the community and confidential sources. After the ruling, Vaituulala, wearing a white prison jumpsuit, was led from the courtroom.
Family members present did not comment. Singh declined to speak with reporters.
‘I Trusted Him’
As commander of the Maui Police Department’s Criminal Intelligence Unit, Vaituulala reported to Police Chief John Pelletier. In a statement Friday, Pelletier said the allegations did not align with the person he knew personally and professionally.
“I trusted him and considered him a friend,” Pelletier said, adding that as chief he must put the department and community first.
Pelletier said the department opened an internal investigation and disbanded the Criminal Intelligence Unit. Spokeswoman Alana Pico declined to say whether the department will review cases Vaituulala handled.
Pelletier said if Vaituulala is convicted, the department will take appropriate action. He is currently on administrative leave, and the department did not say whether it is paid.
Pelletier acknowledged the damage to public trust but said the actions of one person should not overshadow the broader force. He said the department remains committed to transparency and accountability to the Maui community.
Maoli singer denies involvement
The complaint also references an illegal fireworks incident early on New Year’s Day tied to a party at a home on Puʻumakani Street in Kahului. A firework from that gathering reportedly blasted through a neighbor’s wall, causing about $36,000 in damage, according to prior reports.
The party was hosted by Hawaiian music star Glenn Awong, known as Maoli. He received a criminal citation, which was later dismissed for lack of evidence.
The filing did not name Awong, but it mentioned the party. Prosecutors later acknowledged a mistake in the complaint, which had identified the host as “Person 3” and associated that same person with supplying meth to a cooperating defendant.
On Tuesday, prosecutors filed a correction clarifying the host should be “Person 5,” and that “Person 3” refers to a different, unnamed individual alleged to be a meth source. An attorney for Awong said prosecutors confirmed he is not suspected of drug dealing or any other criminal activity and noted the singer is considering legal action.
Vaituulala is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 27 for a preliminary hearing, when a judge will determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed. The hearing will take place at the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaiʻi.
