LIHUE — A county employee has filed a civil complaint against the County of Kauai, alleging retaliation and violations of the whistleblower’s act. Jeannie Marie Caminos, through her attorney Shawn Luiz, filed the civil suit in 5th Circuit Court on
LIHUE — A county employee has filed a civil complaint against the County of Kauai, alleging retaliation and violations of the whistleblower’s act.
Jeannie Marie Caminos, through her attorney Shawn Luiz, filed the civil suit in 5th Circuit Court on Nov. 17. The Kapaa High School graduate has worked as the departmental transportation coordinator for the County of Kauai since Dec. 1, 2010.
Caminos began reporting about a hostile work environment and unfair labor practices in June 2013. The complaints were allegedly made to county executive on transportation Celia Mahikoa, who is not named as a defendant in the case, and who has also worked in that position since December 2010.
The complaint states the defendants engaged in a pattern and practice of retaliatory action against Caminos because of her reports. These actions are against the state whistleblower act.
Caminos is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief to include lost wages, attorneys fees and compensatory damages for physical and emotional ailments suffered as a result of the alleged abuse of leadership.
County spokeswoman Sarah Blane said the county hadn’t been served the complaint and couldn’t comment. The case is assigned to Judge Kathleen Watanabe.
No appearances have been scheduled yet in the case.
Calls to Caminos and her attorney were not returned. Her status remains as a current employee at the transportation agency, according to the county.
