1. Ex-Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro bribery case
2. Businessman Dennis Mitsunaga bribery case.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : The recent verdict in the high-profile trial involving Honolulu’s former elected prosecutor, an island businessman, and his company’s associates has brought relief to the defendants and their families. The jury found that longtime 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 prosecute Laurel Mau on bogus theft charges.
The case, which has been ongoing for two months, centered around allegations that Mitsunaga’s company sought revenge on Mau for suing her former employer, leading to a criminal prosecution orchestrated to harm her. The prosecution claimed that Kaneshiro benefited from campaign donations totaling $50,000, which were used to influence the criminal justice system against Mau.
Six defendants, including Teri Ann Otani, Aaron Fujii, and Sheri Tanaka, were facing fines and up to 15 years in prison on two separate conspiracy counts. However, the jury found them not guilty, leading to emotional scenes in the courtroom as defendants and their attorneys embraced, while their loved ones applauded.
Following the verdict, Kaneshiro criticized federal prosecutors for casting a shadow of suspicion over him and his co-defendants for years. He expressed his relief at being vindicated but questioned how he would regain his reputation after the trial.
While Kaneshiro did not confirm whether he would run for office again, Mitsunaga, who was also acquitted, jokingly offered his support, vowing no campaign donations this time. However, Mitsunaga may still face charges of witness tampering and obstruction of justice for allegedly attempting to alter a trial witness’s testimony.
The trial shed light on Mitsunaga’s significant political contributions to various candidates, totaling over $1 million between 2006 and 2021. The prosecution also highlighted the firm’s substantial government contracts, amounting to at least $49 million since 2011.
The defense maintained that the donations were a legitimate form of political support and that their pursuit of Mau was based on a good faith belief that she had committed theft. The lack of concrete evidence of a quid pro quo was a key point in the defense’s argument.
The trial, led by Special Attorney Michael Wheat, brought into question the government’s handling of the case and the impact on the defendants’ lives and businesses. The defense attacked the prosecution’s case as speculative, emphasizing the lack of certainty in proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
As the trial concluded, the defendants’ attorneys reiterated their clients’ innocence and criticized the government’s handling of the case. They emphasized the importance of upholding the presumption of innocence and ensuring a fair legal process.
In the aftermath of the trial, the defendants expressed gratitude for the jury’s decision and the opportunity to return to their families and friends. The case has underscored the complexities of political influence, campaign contributions, and the intersection of business interests with the criminal justice system..
1. Ex-Honolulu Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro bribery case
2. Businessman Dennis Mitsunaga bribery scandal.
