HPD OFFICER'S DRUG CHARGE DROPPED

Souza Complied With Court Conditions After Arrest In Vegas

Las Vegas prosecutors have dropped a minor marijuana possession charge
against Honolulu police officer Shane Souza, who yesterday pleaded
guilty to obstructing a public officer.

Because Souza, 47, complied with a list of court conditions and has
stayed out of trouble since his arrest seven months ago, the case
against him is considered completed and the misdemeanor marijuana
charge will not be pursued, according to Tess Driver, spokeswoman for
the Clark County Nevada District Attorney's Office.

Souza and fellow police officer Kevin Fujioka were in Las Vegas to
participate in a softball tournament when they were arrested Aug. 15
near Desert Breeze Park after park police noticed a van parked across
several stalls and went to investigate.

The two Honolulu police officers were found in the van and Souza tried
to run away after being told to stand in front of the vehicle.

A May 11 preliminary hearing is scheduled for Fujioka, who is facing a
felony charge of being under the influence of a controlled substance
and misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence and possession
of an ounce or less of marijuana.

Souza, a 20-year HPD veteran, and Fujioka, a 13-year officer, were
placed on administrative leave without pay last fall pending the
outcome of an internal Honolulu Police Department investigation, which
is ongoing.