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An ex-Liquor Commission inspector in Hawaii has fled the islands in fear for his life following a whistle blower incident and a fight with the city of Honolulu over a work comp claim.

Charles Wiggins realized in September 2000 that a number of his fellow Liquor Commission inspectors were taking bribes from club owners.

He reported his observations to the FBI and an investigation subsequently was launched. As the FBI questioned the different inspectors, Wiggins was told that any informants would be killed.

The threat disturbed Wiggins to the point that his doctor ordered him to take a stress leave from work. Despite a doctor’s note, the city fought Wiggins’ workers’ compensation claim and stopped paying his benefits three months into his leave of absence.

Wiggins then in September 2002 filed suit under the Hawaii Whistleblowers Protection Act. The lawsuit named the city, Liquor Commission chairman John Spierling, commission administrator Wallace Weatherwax, city workers' compensation administrator Thomas Riddle, the eight indicted investigators and others.

On June 30, the city without admitting any liability agreed to pay Wiggins $387,500 in damages to settle the suit. The settlement was filed in U.S. District Court and will need to be approved by the City Council.