Former controller at Towill arrested

By Johnny Brannon
Advertiser Staff Writer

Honolulu police have arrested a fourth person affiliated with Honolulu engineering firm R.M. Towill Corp. in connection with a wide-ranging investigation of illegal political donations.

Robert Y.H. Ko, 72, was booked Friday on suspicion of money laundering, illegal operation of a business, making campaign contributions under a false name, and an illegal business practice known as monopolization. He was released pending further investigation.

Ko is a retired controller for Towill, one of Honolulu's oldest and largest engineering companies and a major government contractor.

Three current Towill officials have been arrested during the past month on suspicion of similar offenses. They also were released pending further investigation. Prosecutors have subpoenaed financial records and other documents from the firm.

When contacted by telephone, Ko said he was "Not guilty on all charges! No further comments!" and hung up. Towill officials had no comment.

The 18-month investigation has led to criminal charges against seven people so far, all in relation to Mayor Jeremy Harris' re-election campaign.

Five of the accused were tied to illegal donations from another engineering company and were fined after pleading no contest. The city's community services director was also fined, and an attorney is awaiting trial.

At least 17 people have been arrested since June 25 in connection with the probe, which involves dozens of companies and individuals.

Harris' attorney has denounced the investigation as a witch hunt.

But prosecutors say they have no hidden agenda in their pursuit of violations.

Reach Johnny Brannon at jbrannon@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8070.