Dave Brown is suing the state for possible whistleblower violations and says he wants his job back.
When Brown worked for the state as a branch chief archaeologist, he said he often disagreed with his boss at the State Historic Preservation Division. Brown claims the state put big projects on the fast-track.
"Trying to place someone else’s project in front of another is considered a type of favoritism," he said.
In Circuit Court Friday, Brown testified he was demoted, pushed aside and retaliated against.
"I was removed from many high-profile projects which I had concerns for and which I voiced concerns that there could be activities that didn’t meet the rules," Brown said.
He claims he was removed from projects including the Superferry and rail. Brown said he told officials years ago, an archaeological survey of the entire line, should be conducted. But the state said, there was no whistleblowing involved.
"He may have shown that things could have been better, he may have shown that in the long run, some things were wrong, but he hasn’t shown number one, whistleblowing, and number two, retaliation," said Deputy Attorney General John Cregor Jr.
Brown’s one-year contract with the state, between 2005 and 2006, was not renewed.
A former deputy director with the Department of Human Resources Development testified and said the state does not have to extend this type of contract, and does not usually provide an explanation.
Attorneys believe Circuit Court Judge Karl Sakamoto could make a decision in February.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
