WAILUKU — Six employee complaints alleging a hostile work environment are pending against members of Police Chief John Pelletier’s executive staff, a police union official said Wednesday.

“The union is aware of six complaints,” said Sgt. Nick Krau, Maui Chapter chairperson of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers. “From our understanding, these were characterized as hostile work environment complaints.”

The complaints, filed by four women and two men, are being investigated by a third-party investigator through Maui County.

When Pelletier was asked at a news conference Wednesday how many hostile work environment complaints had been filed against him and Deputy Chief Charles Hank, he wouldn’t say.

Asked what his response was to the complaints, Pelletier said, “I would say that you can’t respond to any ongoing complaints. That’s department policy.”

County Managing Director Sandy Baz was listed on the Maui Police Commission’s executive session agenda Wednesday as giving an update regarding personnel matters.

“It’s an ongoing personnel matter, so I cannot comment,” he said after the meeting.

Commission Chairman Frank De Rego said he had no comment after the meeting.

Mayor Michael Victorino said the Police Commission has the authority to hire, evaluate, replace or remove the police chief.

“We have no say in that area anymore,” he said Wednesday. “If there’s any investigation that is being conducted, I assure you it will be done in a thorough and fair method.”