Ex-councilman has money troubles, too
By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer
Former Honolulu City Councilman Andy Mirikitani yesterday filed for bankruptcy saying that he owes more than $1.3 million, according to federal documents.
Mirikitani retired this month after being convicted of theft, bribery and related charges in connection with a kickback scheme.
He was sentenced Dec. 6 to four years and three months in prison. His new wife, Sharron Bynum, was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison for her role in the scheme. They are scheduled to report to prison Jan 17.
The Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing is the latest in a string of troubles for Mirikitani, the only Honolulu City Council member and the highest-ranking elected official in Hawai'i to be convicted on federal felony charges while in office.
Under federal bankruptcy laws, Chapter 7 allows debtors to escape some credit card and other unsecured debt after liquidating some assets. Dawn Smith, the lawyer who helped Mirikitani file bankruptcy papers, could not be reached for comment yesterday.
According to the bankruptcy filing, Mirikitani has $2,508,620 in assets and $1,376,926 in debts. However, the majority of Mirikitani's assets are tied to a $2 million "contingent asset" related to a revocable trust of his late father, Dr. Carl M. Mirikitani, the filing document said.
The document said Mirikitani owes $680,000 to the Bishop Street law firm of Edmunds, Maki, Verga & Thorn, which defended him during his criminal trial. However, lawyer John Edmunds said the number was incorrect and that Mirikitani owes approximately $340,000.
Mirikitani also owes more than $100,000 to credit-card companies, including $38,000 to MBNA America, according to the document. He also owes $6,000 in fines as result of his criminal conviction, the document said.
For monthly income, Mirikitani said he earns $1,300 in pension or retirement income. His wife's income was not listed. Mirikitani married Bynum on Nov. 30, the day before he retired from the council. The marriage made Bynum eligible for lifetime medical and dental benefits.
This month, Mirikitani asked for a public defender for the appeal of his federal court conviction and said he couldn't pay the docketing fees when he filed his notice of appeal.
Mirikitani represented District V, which comprises Manoa, McCully, Mo'ili'ili, Makiki and Ala Moana.
