Investigators for the state attorney general's office have seized computer equipment from the home of former Kaua'i Police Chief K.C. Lum in 'Ele'ele in connection with allegations that he altered government documents.

Lum is accused of altering a letter sent to him by the county involving his retirement. He has not been charged with a crime.

Lum said Thursday's search is a politically motivated attack on his candidacy for a seat on the Kaua'i County Council.

"I am outraged," Lum said in a phone interview.

The state attorney general's office refused to comment.

The original letter sent to Lum on May 30 informed him of the county's decision to cancel his contract as chief of police, but it was missing two paragraphs dealing with his potential reinstatement when Lum returned it.

Lum's attorney, Clayton Ikei, said the error was caused when pages of the letter overlapped when they were scanned into an e-mail.

ACTING CHIEF SETTLES SUIT AGAINST COUNTY

In a related development, the county and acting Police Chief Clayton Arinaga have settled a whistleblower lawsuit that Arinaga filed against Lum and the county earlier this year, when Arinaga was an assistant chief.

Arinaga had argued that he was punished as retaliation for insisting that three vice squad officers be investigated for possible violations of state and federal laws in connection with their having flown to Maui at government expense for a conference they did not attend. In late 2005, Arinaga was ordered out of the police headquarters building, relieved of his weapon and badge, and was placed on leave.

The details of the settlement were not disclosed. Arinaga was named acting chief after Lum's resignation.