According to the suits, Sagawa touched or fondled the women while doing inspections, made inappropriate sexual comments, entered homes unannounced, and solicited sex. The lawsuits claim the state contributed to the problem by failing to take action when complaints were received. If any incidents did occur, the women consented, Henderson said. Attorney John Price, defending the Hawaii Housing Authority, said the state doesn't send inspectors out to annoy people. There are 11 female plaintiffs in one case and two in the other case.
None is identified by name.
Few of the women reported the incidents when they occurred out of fear they might be thrown from their homes if they complained, the suits allege. At least some who did complain were told by Hawaii Housing Authority officials that nothing could be done because it was Sagawa's word against theirs, according to statements by two employees. Sagawa was a 20-year veteran of the housing agency, deputy manager of the Hilo housing office, and was active in the community, including serving as chairman of Hawaii County Councilman James Arakaki's campaign. Sagawa faced criminal charges in 1994 after two women reported separate incidents to police. Both are now among plaintiffs in the pending lawsuits.