Honolulu police Chief Boisse P. Correa has used 112 days of workers' compensation leave in the last 18 months following a back injury sustained on the job last year that has required two surgeries.

Correa has said he is on injured leave due to his health but has declined to discuss it further. He declined two written requests and four phone messages seeking an interview for this story.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann yesterday said in a statement that he was concerned about the chief's health status.

"Several police commissioners have expressed to me the concern, which I share, about Chief Correa's health," Hannemann said. "Obviously, we're all hoping the chief makes a full and speedy recovery. It would be helpful if the chief, in consultation with his doctor, would let all of us know the status of his condition as soon as possible. I believe then we'll be better able to assess and evaluate the situation."

Since taking over the $110,000 a year job in August 2004, Correa has taken 112 days of industrial leave, 56 vacation days, and has been out of the office on 15 city-sponsored trips, according to police department records. Industrial leave is the city's classification for a workers' compensation claim.

Correa injured his back in early 2006 during a training exercise at the department's recruit academy in Waipahu. He underwent back surgery in April 2006 and again in August 2006.

Correa, 61, is running the department from his home via video teleconferencing, phone calls, and meetings with commanders. The video link allows Correa to interview officers for promotion and conduct meetings.

In a written statement released Wednesday, acting Police Chief Paul Putzulu said Correa is on leave but is being briefed and kept apprised of the department's daily operations.

DAY-TO-DAY DECISIONS

Former police chief Lee Donohue, who suffered a heart attack while on duty, took two weeks of industrial leave in 6 1/2 years in office and said it would be impossible to run the Honolulu police department while battling an injury.

"Any prolonged absence from the office is not conducive to good business for the Honolulu police department. There are day-to-day decisions that have to be made then and there, in the office, and cannot wait," said Donohue in an interview yesterday.

Correa, a 37-year veteran of the department, recently told the Honolulu Police Commission that his back may force him to undergo a third surgery, which would cause him to miss significant time.

A department spokesperson did not respond to a list of questions e-mailed to the department Sept. 18 and again yesterday.

Correa has offered no timetable for return.

"I spoke to Chief Correa and he is eager to return to work," said Putzulu in his written statement. "It's a frustrating situation for anyone who is forced to miss work because of an injury and the chief would like to express his appreciation to the community for their continued support and concern."

The department originally rejected a request to release information about Correa's workers' compensation claim but The Advertiser appealed to the state Office of Information Practices, which ruled the information is part of the public record.

RANK-AND-FILE CONCERN

In recent weeks, rank-and-file officers and police commission members have questioned whether Correa can effectively remain in the chief's seat if he is experiencing debilitating physical injuries.

Part of the issue is a perceived double standard regarding the treatment of the chief's injury status and the injury status of officers.

For example, Correa's administration has asked officers on light duty or injured leave to relinquish their weapons and police powers until they are able to return to work.

In one notable case, former police chief Michael Nakamura, who suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease, gave up his gun when he felt it was no longer a good idea to be armed.

Correa has retained his police powers and still carries a weapon.

Donohue, the former chief, said it is imperative for the chief of police to be at the office and visibly mingling with the troops and staff.

"There has to be a command presence because the officers have to know the chief is up and going. Being out there and talking to the guys and ladies and trying to address their issues as often as possible is key," he said. "It takes away from officer complaints because they see and hear it straight from the boss. Part of the chief's job is to keep up the troops' morale and lead and direct."

The Police Commission was not informed about Correa's most recent absence and found out from a third party.

COMMISSION MEETING

Correa met with the commission last week to discuss his health.

Keith Amemiya, vice chairman of the commission, said the commission is confident the department can operate capably under acting chief "Putzulu and the rest of the department's administrative staff."

"We're all concerned about Chief Correa's extended absence from work, including Chief Correa himself. However, I've spoken directly with Chief Correa earlier this week about the chain of command during his current absence, and my fellow commissioners and I support and have full confidence in acting Chief Putzulu and the rest of the department's administrative staff to capably run the department at this time," Amemiya said. "Should it become necessary for Chief Correa to remain on injured leave for an indefinite or even further extended period of time, then we'll re-evaluate the situation. Until then, we all hope for a full and speedy recovery for Chief Correa."

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.