Suspect In Threat To Kauai Councilman Arrested

The county hired private security guards this week after Billy DeCosta received a threat at his council office.

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The county hired private security guards this week after Billy DeCosta received a threat at his council office.

Kauai police on Friday arrested a man suspected of leaving threatening letters on the desk of Kauai County Councilman Billy DeCosta at the Historic County Building.

Glenn Gruenhagen, 67, of Lihue was charged with first-degree terroristic threatening and harassment.

Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo said Thursday that there will be extra security at the County Building in Lihue after a threat Tuesday against Councilman Billy DeCosta. (Courtesy: Léo Azambuja/2014)

Police did not publicize the content of the letters, which were allegedly placed on DeCosta’s desk on Jan. 12 and discovered four days later, according to police. The incident remains under investigation.

A rare special emergency meeting was called by the County Council on Thursday to discuss security enhancements to better protect the safety of council members and other Historic County Building staff.

In addition to hiring private security guards, the county implemented a sign-in policy for visitors and restricted meetings between council members and the public to conference rooms and other common areas.

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