Permit Pimp: Ex-DPP Supervisor Gets 5 Years

Wayne Inouye, formerly a Chief Building Inspector with the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), is heading to federal prison for five years. The 60-month sentence, handed down this week, closes the book on a brazen bribery scheme where Inouye traded expedited building permits for cold, hard cash. This wasn’t just a slap on the wrist; it’s a clear signal the feds are serious about cleaning up corruption in paradise.

The DPP, responsible for overseeing all construction in Honolulu, became a playground for Inouye’s greed. As Chief Building Inspector, he wasn’t just reviewing plans – he was soliciting bribes from architects, contractors, and anyone desperate to cut through the red tape. The scheme was simple: pay to play. Those willing to grease Inouye’s palms saw their permits fast-tracked, while honest applicants were left waiting. The operation compromised public safety and undermined the integrity of Honolulu’s building process.

The FBI investigation, a lengthy and meticulous probe, peeled back the layers of corruption. Agents uncovered a pattern of illicit payments from multiple sources. Architect William Wong was a key player, showering Inouye with cash. A signage contractor and a separate building contractor also joined the payout parade. Even a second signage contractor was caught funneling money to Inouye, demonstrating the widespread nature of the scheme. The feds didn’t just stop at Inouye; five other individuals were charged and pleaded guilty, including fellow DPP employees Jennie Javonillo, Jason Dadez, Jocelyn Godoy, and Kanani Padeken.

Inouye initially tried to cover his tracks, claiming the payments were “loans.” He even attempted a partial repayment to Wong after learning the FBI was sniffing around. A pathetic attempt to appear legitimate. But the evidence was overwhelming, and during his guilty plea, Inouye finally admitted to taking bribes. The feds weren’t buying the loan story, and his attempt at damage control failed spectacularly. The $100,000 fine, in addition to the prison sentence and two years of supervised release, is a substantial penalty designed to deter others from following in his crooked footsteps.

This case isn’t just about one corrupt inspector; it’s about the erosion of public trust. When government officials prioritize personal gain over public safety, it damages the entire system. Federal prosecutors made it clear that combating public corruption is a top priority, and the FBI vowed to continue pursuing anyone who violates the public’s trust. The message is clear: Honolulu isn’t open for business if that business is built on bribery.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys handled the prosecution, securing convictions against all involved. This isn’t an isolated incident either. Recent sentencing of a Hawaii State Representative and a former Maui County Official for wire fraud, alongside charges against another Maui County Environmental Management Official for bribery, paint a disturbing picture of systemic corruption within the Hawaiian Islands. The feds are clearly ramping up efforts to clean house, and more heads are likely to roll.