HONOLULU (KHON2) — Former Honolulu police chief Joe Logan is demanding more than $700,000 from the City, claiming he was wrongfully terminated and experienced emotional distress.
Logan included this amount in a demand letter to the city, which was sent days before he officially filed suit.
Logan filed suit on Thursday, July 31, just after 9:30 p.m., where he claims that he was subjected to a relentless pattern of political interference and legal pressure and was ultimately forced to resign by Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
“This lawsuit has not even been served yet. But can let you know that the evidence in this case will show that the threats and the level of duress would make any reasonable person resign from their position,” said Joseph Rosenbaum, attorney for Chief Logan.
Blangiardi responded to the lawsuit in a statement:
“I am deeply disappointed that the former Chief Joe Logan has chosen to file this meritless complaint against the city. He voluntarily stepped down as chief and had every opportunity to rescind his resignation if he changed his mind over the last two months. The city will vigorously defend against these claims as we remain firmly focused on strengthening public safety in communities across Oahu, advancing officer recruitment, and increasing public confidence in government.”
Mayor Rick Blangiardi
Logan is asking for more than $534,000 in payment for the last two years of his five-year contract, plus $250,000 for emotional distress and attorney fees.
The City responded to Logan’s demand letter, saying his claims were without merit and that Logan resigned voluntarily.