Laurel Mau : “Not Guilty: Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro and Businessman Dennis Mitsunaga Acquitted in Bribery Case”

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The trial of Honolulu’s former elected prosecutor and an island businessman, along with his company’s associates, ended with a verdict of not guilty in an alleged pay-for-prosecution scheme. The jury found that there was no conspiracy to prosecute a former employee, Laurel Mau, on theft charges. The case involved significant campaign donations to the prosecutor, Keith Kaneshiro, by the businessman and his associates. The defense argued that the donations were legal political support, while prosecutors claimed they were used to exact revenge on Mau. The trial highlighted the influence of money in politics and the challenges of proving corruption.

**Former Honolulu Prosecutor and Businessman Acquitted in Alleged Pay-for-Prosecution Scheme**

In a surprising turn of events, Honolulu’s former elected prosecutor, an island businessman, and his company’s associates have been found not guilty in an alleged pay-for-prosecution scheme. The trial, which lasted two months, culminated in a jury verdict that longtime Honolulu prosecuting attorney Keith Kaneshiro did not conspire with Dennis Mitsunaga, the former CEO of a prominent engineering firm, Mitsunaga & Associates Inc., and several company employees to arrange for the prosecution of Laurel Mau, a former employee of Mitsunaga.

**The Allegations and Verdict**

Prosecutors alleged that Mitsunaga’s company sought to use the criminal justice system to retaliate against Mau for suing her former employer, with Kaneshiro benefitting from campaign donations amounting to $50,000. However, the jury found all defendants, including Mitsunaga, Aaron Fujii, Chad McDonald, Terri Ann Otani, and attorney Sheri Tanaka, not guilty on two separate conspiracy counts. The defendants faced fines and up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

**Emotional Scenes in the Courtroom**

After the verdict was read, tearful defendants and their attorneys embraced, with the gallery filled with their loved ones erupting in applause. Kaneshiro, in remarks outside the courthouse, criticized federal prosecutors for casting a cloud of suspicion over him and his co-defendants for years. Expressing relief at the jury’s verdict, he questioned the government’s evidence and investigation, seeking to reclaim his reputation.

**Future Political Prospects**

When asked about running for office again, Kaneshiro did not provide a direct answer. However, Mitsunaga, showing support for Kaneshiro, expressed his willingness to back him in any future political endeavors without any campaign donations involved. Despite this, Mitsunaga still faces potential charges of witness tampering and obstruction of justice, with a grand jury convened on the matter.

**The Impact on Mitsunaga’s Business**

Mitsunaga, an 82-year-old businessman, has long faced accusations of using money to influence island politicians for personal gain. The federal case marked the first time he had been charged with a crime. The trial shed light on the extent of his political giving, totaling over $1 million in donations to candidates between 2006 and 2021, while his firm received substantial government contracts worth at least $49 million since 2011.

**Campaign Contribution Controversy**

Evidence presented during the trial highlighted illegal straw donations made in the names of individuals who did not provide the funds themselves. Subcontractors dependent on Mitsunaga for work testified feeling compelled to donate to stay in the firm’s favor. Prosecutors emphasized the bundling of checks to Kaneshiro, indicating the source of the donations.

**Closing Arguments and Defense**

During closing arguments, defense attorneys portrayed the defendants as professionals acting in good faith and emphasized the legality of campaign contributions. Kaneshiro’s lawyer stressed probable cause for charging Mau with theft but denied any pressure to prosecute her. The defense attacked the case as speculation, with Otake arguing there was no evidence of conspiracy, direct or circumstantial.

**Conclusion**

Despite the intense scrutiny and allegations faced by the defendants, the verdict brought a sense of relief and vindication. The trial showcased the complexities of political influence, campaign contributions, and the challenges of proving criminal intent. As the legal proceedings conclude, the impact of this case on the individuals involved and the broader implications for political and legal practices in Hawaii will continue to resonate.