WAIHEE (HI)
The Maui News
WAIHEE – Deacon Ron Gonsalves, who was administrator of St. Ann parish in Waihee, has been placed on administrative leave while officials investigate an allegation involving sexual abuse of a minor, a Hawaii Catholic Diocese spokesman said Friday.
While he has been on leave since June 22, Gonsalves “cannot act in the ministry of the deacon,” said Patrick Downes, spokesman for the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu, which oversees all of the churches in Hawaii.
He said Father Peter Dumag has been appointed temporary administrator of the Waihee parish.
Father Gary Secor, delegate for clergy for the diocese, was on Maui last weekend to speak to parishioners of the small Waihee parish about Gonsalves’ leave and to answer questions, Downes said.
He said diocesan officials had learned from various sources that Gonsalves was under investigation by Maui police for an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor.
Lt. Glenn Cuomo of the police Criminal Investigation Division confirmed that police are conducting an investigation of Gonsalves.