Sheraton chef's widow sues for wrongful death

By David Waite
Advertiser Courts Writer

The widow of former Sheraton Waikiki executive chef Thomas Matsuda, who was stabbed to death on Dec. 1, 1998, by disgruntled Sheraton food service worker Tam Van Huynh, has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Huynh and the hotel's parent companies.

The lawsuit, filed by Honolulu attorney David Minkin on behalf of Colleen Matsuda, Thomas Matsuda's wife, and the couple's children, claims the hotel and parent companies Kyo-Ya Co. Ltd. and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. knew or should have known that Huynh was involved in two confrontations involving knives with co-workers in 1998. The lawsuit contends that an anger-management course Huynh was ordered to attend would not resolve his underlying psychological problems.

Huynh was found guilty of second-degree murder in June by Circuit Judge Sandra Simms.

Sheraton attorney Jeffrey Harris said the suit was filed because although the hotel owners were willing to consent to an extension of applicable period under the statute of limitations, Huynh would not.

Harris said the hotel owners are assisting the Matsuda family and are not involved in a legal dispute with them.

Minkin could not be reached to comment.

The lawsuit does not list the amount sought by the Matsuda family. General, special and punitive damages would be determined at trial.