Diocese of Honolulu HI - BishopAccountability.org

29 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Marc R. Alexander

Ordained: 1985
Status: Settled

Held many key positions in the Diocese of Honolulu, including Vicar General, before leaving to accept a position as the Governor's homeless coordinator in 2/2011. Priestly privileges were withdrawn at that time. Resigned from the homeless position in 1/2012 after admitting that he had a sexual relationship with a woman while he was a priest. Allegations were made that he was involved with numerous women and that the Diocese had sent him to St. Luke's Institute for treatment before he left his priestly duties. Sued 4/23/2014 by a woman who alleged he abused her as a minor while he was at St. John Vianney in Kailua in the 1980s. Case settled in 2016. Appointed by Honolulu mayor in 2/2017 to lead the Housing Office.

Sources:

Fr. Joseph E. Avery

Order: MM
Ordained: 1949
Status: Sued

Died: 08/15/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Accused in a 2016 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy at Good Shepherd Parish in Honomu and at St. Joseph's Parish in Hilo in the 1970s. Died 8/15/1997.

Sources:

San Jose Mercury News 10.23.18

Fr. Roberto Batoon

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Extern priest from the Philippines working in the diocese since 1997. Removed in 1/2003 after he was accused of the sexual abuse of a minor while working in his home diocese. Reportedly admitted to the abuse. Was to return to the Philippines. By 5/2003, Batoon had agreed to be voluntarily laicized.

Sources:

Fr. Eugene E. Blazek

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1976
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

A man filed a civil suit in 3/2008 accusing Blazek of sexually abusing him as a minor for over a year "during or after 1979." The suit also mentions abuse of other youngsters. Blazek, although still part of Honolulu Diocese, had been serving as a military chaplain for over 20 years. He retired 6/1/2007 and was reportedly living in Houston, TX.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Alphonsus Bouwmeister

Order: SSCC
Ordained: 1915
Status: Sued

Died: 12/11/1972
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Ordained in Belgium. Arrived in Hawaii in 1915. Accused in a 2002 civil suit of abuse of an 11-year-old boy in 1961. In 3/2005 the case was dismissed by a judge, who said plaintiff had presented no evidence to support his claim. Bouwmeister died in 1972 at age 84.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson and Associates Timeline

Sources:

Fr. Joseph Bukoski, III

Order: SSCC
Ordained: 1979
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Placed on leave in 5/2002 after allegations of sexually abusing a boy in the 1970s while a Sacred Heart brother, prior to ordination. A second accuser also came forward. Two civil suits were filed in 2003. At least one suit claimed the Order knew of the abuse yet allowed Bukoski to be ordained. This suit settled in 11/2005 after Bukoski admitted to the abuse. (Immediately after settlement, criminal charges were filed against this plaintiff on behalf of a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by him at age 14, 9 years prior. He was acquitted in 1/2007.)

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Br. Robert Christensen

Order: CFC
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Accused in a 2014 lawsuit of physical torture and sexual abuse of a boy at Damien Memorial High School over three to four years in the 1970s. Christensen allegedly would have the boy strip naked, then hit him all over his body, including his genitals.

Sources:

Hawaii News Now 02.15.16

Fr. Francis J. Daubert

Order: MM
Ordained: 1938
Status: Settled

Died: 05/22/1983
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Spent priesthood in China, Hawaii, New York, Missouri. Accused in a lawsuit settled in 3/2016 of raping a 12-year-old altar boy at Good Shepherd in Honomu HI in 1967, while filling in for the pastor. Daubert was said to have tied the boy with ropes in a "game," then sodomized and assaulted him for 6 hours. The accuser said he told his mother that night; she called the parish and a priest came to speak with her and the boy's father. Daubert was moved from the parish. He continued in ministry. The same lawsuit alleged sexual abuse of the boy years later by Rev. Anthony Pascale and Rev. William Queenan at St. Stephen's Diocesan Seminary in Kaneohe. Daubert died 5/22/1983.

Assignments:

Maryknoll Archives Obit dowloaded 03.17.16

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Fr. Roberto A. de Otero

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1977
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Began career in the Portland OR archdiocese where in 1977-1981 he had two parish assignments and sick leave before being loaned to then excardinated to Honolulu. Accused in a 5/17/2002 lawsuit of abusing two altar boys in the late 1980s in Honolulu; settled in 6/2004. Accused in an 8/30/2004 suit of abusing another boy at the same parish in 1985. On leave 1987-1989; Navy chaplain 1989-1993. Resigned after admitting in 1993 to abusing a boy at a CA Marine base. After Bishop DiLorenzo came to Honolulu in 1993 he removed de Otero from public ministry.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. George DeCosta

Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Two men filed claims in a NY court as part of the Irish Christian Brothers bankruptcy, claiming sexual abuse by DeCosta in the 1960s. The Order was in charge of Honolulu's Damien Memorial School, where DeCosta taught during the time in question. He denied the allegations. Worked in Honolulu until assigned to St. Mary Gate of Heaven in Hilo in 1973. Was reportedly forced to retire in 2002. As of 2012, DeCosta was pastor of Hale Lokahi in Hilo and worked with teenagers via Music Ministry Alive. A civil suit was filed by two men in 3/2012. Accused in a lawsuit of raping a 5-year-old boy in 1991; the boy was a preschool student at Hale O Kamalii School in Hilo. As of 4/2016, DeCosta was accused of sexually abusing nine children. A lawsuit filed in 2013 by two men against the Diocese settled in 3/2017. DeCosta was laicized 7/29/2020.

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Fr. William Desmond

Order: MM
Ordained: 1948
Status: Sued

Died: 09/27/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Per Attorney Jeff Anderson, Desmond was accused in a 2014 lawsuit of sexually abusing a minor in 1974-1975 while assigned to St. Joseph's in Hilo. He died in 1985.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson and Associates accessed 07.21.20

Sources:

Jeff Anderson and Associates accessed 07.21.20

Br. Thomas Gregory Duffin

Order: CFC
Status: Settled

Died: 08/30/1999
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

One of 10 brothers and two laymen accused by more than 30 men in a 5/2013 civil case of abuse at three Chicago schools run by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers, North American Province. Entered the Order in 1961. Was assigned to Br. Rice High School in Chicago 1972-1978. Order agreed to massive $16.5M settlement with 400 plaintiffs claiming abuse by multiple order priests and brothers in 5/2013. Three people filed suit in 2013 alleging abuse in the late 1960s by Duffin, while he was assigned to Damien Memorial High School in Honolulu. Duffin died 8/30/1999. Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers in 2014 as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

Assignments:

Law Firm Assignment History

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Bishop Joseph A. Ferrario

Order: SS
Ordained: 1951
Status: Sued

Died: 12/12/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Ordained for the Sulpician order in in 1951. Started his career in Mountain View, CA. Moved to Hawaii in 1957 and became bishop in 1982. Accused in 1985 of the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old boy beginning in 1975. A 1991 civil suit was dismissed due to the statute of limitations. The allegations "found to be groundless by an internal church investigation." Retired in 1993; died in 2003. A new civil suit filed in 2012 claimed abuse in 1973. The accuser reported allegations to the Diocese in 1991; no action. Named in three suits filed in 2013. Accused in 2014 suit of abuse of a minor in 1968 or 1969, after the youth told him he had been abused by Fr. William Queenan. Accused in a 4/2020 lawsuit of abuse of a boy, about ages 12-14, in 1975-1978.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. Merle Joseph Fisher

Order: SM
Ordained: 1960
Status: Settled

Died: 11/26/2001
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Accused in a lawsuit that settled in 2020 in the low six figures of sexually abusing a boy, ages 8-11, during 1967-1970. The abuse allegedly occurred in the rectory of Holy Cross Parish in Kalaheo, HI. In addition to the Diocese of Honolulu, Fisher had assignments in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, the Diocese of Boise, the Diocese of Christchurch New Zealand and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He died 11/26/2001.

Assignments:

Garabedian Law Offices Assignment Record

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Fr. Evarist Gielen

Order: SSCC
Ordained: 1926
Status: Sued

Died: 07/22/1977
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

From Belgium. Arrived in HI as a missionary in 1926. Per Attorney Jeff Anderson, Gielen was accused in a 2016 lawsuit of sexually abusing a minor in the early 1960s, while assigned to Sacred Hearts in Lanai City. Gielen died at age 80 in 1977.

Assignments:

Jeff Anderson and Associates accessed 07.21.20

Sources:

Deacon James Ronald Gonsalves

Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Ordained for the diaconate in 1987. Accused in 2005 of abuse of the sexual abuse of a boy for three years, beginning in 2002 when boy was age 12. Placed on leave in 2005. Pleaded guilty in 5/2 006. Sentenced in 7/2006 to one year in prison and 20 years probation.

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Fr. Donald J. Graff

Ordained: 1962
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Accused in a lawsuit filed 4/13/2016 of sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy in 1964, while assigned to the Cathedral of Her Lady of Peace.

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Fr. Joseph Michael Henry

Order: MM
Ordained: 1933
Status: Sued

Died: 11/13/1974
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

From Ireland. Assigned to Bedford MA, Manchuria, Cincinnati OH, Hawaii. Arrived in Hawaii in 1949 and worked for one year at a Honolulu parish, then named pastor of St. Anthony's in Oahu in 1950, where he remained until his death 11/13/1974. In a 1991 petition against Bishop Joseph Ferrario, a man claimed Fr. Henry was the priest who first sexually abused him as a child, during 1964 -1972. Allegedly, the boy told later told Ferrario (Henry's successor) of his abuse by Henry, then Ferrario began abusing him, too. Henry was named as an abuser in a 2012 civil suit by another man who alleged abuse by both Henry and Ferrario. Also accused in a 2013 suit of abuse in the 1950s. At least six allege abuse at St. Anthony's 1952-1974. Two more complaints against Henry were filed 4/13/2016.

Fr. James A. Jackson

Order: MM
Ordained: 1948
Status: Sued

Died: 03/16/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Accused in 6/2002 by at least three men of abusing them when they were children. Jackson worked in Hawaii 1948-1992. No criminal charges were filed due to the statute of limitations; there were no records of complaints in his personnel file with the Order. Jackson admitted abuse of boys, saying it was due to a surgical procedure he'd had on a testicle. He reportedly abused boys for over 25 years. Treated by psychiatrist Robert Browne, who was later found to be pedophile. Died in 3/2005. There were protests in 2013 about a scholarship offered in his name at Maryknoll High School on Honolulu. A lawsuit was filed in 2018 by a man alleging repeated abuse as a boy at Sacred Heart in Makiki by Jackson 1980-1981. This was the sixth known accuser.

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Fr. Andrew Mannetta

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1983
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Assigned to Aiea and Pearl City HI parishes and on Guam. Parents of two altar boys complained in 1994 but the Diocese said Mannetta's behavior was not sexual in nature. Underwent treatment for sexual issues and alcohol abuse. Admitted giving alcohol to boys. Accused in a 5/2003 lawsuit of abuse by a 22-year-old mentally-challenged man beginning when the man was a minor in 1997 or 1998 until 12/2001. Mannetta had been reassigned in 10/2002 to NY after the man's uncle reported the abuse to the Diocese. Settled for $375K in 1/2007 just before trial. Accused of abuse on Guam during seminary and his first assignment. A lawsuit in 2017 alleged abuse in 1985 of an altar boy, age 9-10, on Guam. A suit in 10/2017 claimed abuse in 1985 of 14-year-old boy in Talofofo, Guam. Included on the Las Vegas diocese's list 4/12/2019 (name misspelled "Manetta"). Accused in a lawsuit in 1/2022, along with Fr. J. Michael Morrissey, of abuse of a boy in the 1980s in Mangilao, Guam.

Seminarian Gilbert Martines

Donate Photo

Order: SM
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Marianist aspirant, Province of the Pacific. Not in ministry. Arrested in 1982 at the Center Marianist Community in Honolulu. Left the Order. Included on the Order's list of accused 6/24/2020.

Sources:

Marianists US Province list 06.24.20

Br. John Paul Medvit

Order: CFC
Status: Sued

Died: 08/20/2012
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Accused in a civil lawsuit filed 12/4/2012 against the Order and Diocese of abusing a freshman boy at Damien Memorial School on Oahu. Medvit was the boy's teacher. The abuse allegedly included caressing, rubbing, groping and hugging. The boy reported the abuse to school and diocesan officials at the time. Medvit was temporarily removed and later returned to the school where he again physically attacked the student. Medvit died in 8/2012. Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers in 2014 as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Edward V. Mueth

Order: MM
Ordained: 1924
Status: Sued

Died: 07/23/1983
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Spent 26 years of priesthood Kongmoon, China, then another 7 years in Hong Kong. Worked in Hawaii 1957-1964 before retiring due to ill health. Died 7/23/1983. Named in a 2/2013 civil suit as an abuser, along with Fr. Joseph Henry, of at least one person at St. Anthony's Church in Kailua, HI in the 1950s. Alleged to have exposed his genitalia and rubbed his exposed genitalia on an altar boy's face in an effort to force oral sex.

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Fr. Jack Niland

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1976
Status: Sued

Died: 08/5/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Capuchin Franciscan Friar of the Province of St. Mary, ordained in NY. Worked on Guam 1976-1999 then Pearl City, HI 1999-2008. Teacher, counselor, pastor, vice-provincial. (First Guam assignment was assistant parish priest under Rev. Anthony Apuron who later became bishop, accused of abusing at least 7 minors, convicted by the Vatican in 2018.) Nilan died 8/5/2009 in New York. He was accused in a 6/2017 lawsuit of molesting a 14-year-old boy in the rectory of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish in Agat in 1982. The boy aspired to be a priest and was living at the rectory. A lawsuit was filed in 10/2017 by man alleging rape as a 10-year-old altar boy by Niland in about 1979, during confessions.

Assignments:

Capuchin website accessed 07.14.17

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Fr. Bartholomew J. O’Leary

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 4/2020 of sexually abusing a boy, approximately ages 14-16, in 1977-1978. The abuse allegedly occurred at St. Stephen's Seminary in Kaneohe, where the boy's father worked. O'Leary was an administrator at the seminary. He is reportedly deceased. The suit also claims abuse of the boy at about ages 12-14 by Bishop Joseph Ferrario.

Documents:

Christiansen vs Catholic Church in Hawaii et al 04.14.20

Fr. Anthony Pascale

Ordained: 1958
Status: Settled

Died: 01/9/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Accused in a lawsuit settled in 4/2016 of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy, who was a student at St. Stephen's Diocesan Seminary in Kaneohe, HI. The plaintiff also claimed abuse by Fr. William Queenan and, in earlier years, by Fr. Francis Daubert, MM. Pascale died 1/9/2003, age 85.

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Fr. William J. Queenan

Donate Photo

Order: SS
Ordained: 1960
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

In a civil suit filed 4/4/2014, a man alleged he was abused by Queenan at age 14 in 1968 when he was a student at St. Stephen's Seminary and Queenan was a teacher. He claimed he told then-priest, later-Bishop, Joseph Ferrario, who also abused him. In the same suit, the man said he was abused by Br. Robert Brouillette and Br. Thomas Ford (both known abusers) in 1970 when he transferred to Damien Memorial High School. Damien Memorial was run by the Irish Christian Brothers. Another man received a settlement in 3/2016, claiming abuse by Queenan and Fr. Anthony Pascale at St. Stephen's, and by Fr. Francis Daubert years earlier.

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Fr. Henry B. Sabog

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Died: 05/22/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Accused in a 2005 lawsuit of molesting a 12-year-old girl in 1964, while assigned to Our Lady of Good Counsel. Sabog denied the allegations. Died 5/22/2017.

Sources:

Br. Dominic Stone

Donate Photo

Order: SSCC
Status: Sued

Died: 04/18/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Honolulu HI

Given name William Henry Stone. A man alleged in a lawsuit filed in 7/2003 that Stone molested him for over a year in the 1970s. The man also alleged in the suit that he was propositioned by Fr. Joseph Bukoski. Stone died 4/18/2006.

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