Copeland in a media statement yesterday said that “there was no wrongful or self-serving prosecution against Mr. Kamiishi, nor do I have a personal relationship with any of his employees. My office simply assisted some individuals in filing a claim with the Division of Labor after they contacted us when they didn’t know where else to turn for help.”
Copeland responded to the letter of Katsuo Kamiishi, owner of Ashibi Bar and Restaurant in Meyuns when the latter wrote a letter to the Attorney General’s Office and Senate and alleged complaint of wrongful and self-serving prosecution.Kamiishi accused Copeland of threatening to arrest him forcing him to close down his business.Kamiishi stated in his letter that Copeland came to his Karaoke twice and got intimate with one of his workers.Kamiishi in his letter stated that after Copeland’s second visit to his establishment, Copeland came back a few days later and took three of his workers to the Division of Labor.Kamiishi stated he was then summoned by the Division of Labor and was ordered to pay back the salaries of the employees or his business would be closed.Kamiishi accused Copeland of using his government position because he is a friend of one of the women.The businessman accused Copeland of becoming a “Karaoke police” for targeting his Karaoke bar only.Kamiishi stated that he has been doing business in Palau for 21 years. He added that his business is struggling too just like the other restaurant and karaoke in Palau due to bad economy.However, Copeland said that he was not “Karaoke Police.”“The Office of the Special Prosecutor is not the “Karaoke Police.” However, we are human beings, and when a group of vulnerable people reached out to us for help we responded in both a lawful and appropriate manner.”“We would like to congratulate the Division of Labor for successfully ensuring that the safety and rights of these employees were protected,” Copeland added.Kamiishi’s allegations stemmed when Copeland assisted four workers of Kamiishi in filing complaint against him.The four workers sought assistance from the OSP and claimed they have been denied of their wages since May.
