Harris campaign suspect to change not-guilty plea

By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer

A key figure in the year-long investigation of Mayor Jeremy Harris' campaign finances is scheduled to enter a new plea today to charges he illegally funneled thousands of dollars to Harris' 2000 re-election campaign.

Michael Matsumoto, president and chief executive officer of Honolulu engineering company SSFM International, is charged with felony money laundering and a misdemeanor campaign contribution violation. He and at least four others allegedly made the illegal donations under false names.

Matsumoto, 57, pleaded not guilty to the charges last month, but is expected to change his plea to no contest in state Circuit Court this morning and agree to cooperate with city prosecutors.

He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine if convicted of the felony, and one year in jail and a $2,000 fine for the misdemeanor. A trial is set for the week of Feb. 24.

Prosecutors would not discuss the case yesterday, and Matsumoto's attorney did not return calls. The attorney previously indicated that Matsumoto would testify in related cases if necessary.

SSFM is among the state's five largest engineering companies, and a major city and state contractor. The company, its employees and family members donated more than $85,000 to Harris since 1996, records show.

Three other current and former company executives and the wife of a fourth also have been charged with misdemeanors for allegedly making donations to Harris under false names. Prosecutors have said officers of other companies that donated heavily to Harris likely would face similar charges.

Harris has not been formally charged with any wrongdoing. His attorneys have insisted there is no connection between campaign contributions and the awarding of city contracts.