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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, May 14, 2003

Reluctant witness' theft trials delayed

Advertiser Staff

Two theft trials for a reluctant witness in the investigation of Mayor Jeremy Harris' campaign finances were postponed yesterday until late October.

Lisa-Katharine Otsuka previously attempted to negotiate a plea bargain.

Advertiser library photo

The cases against Lisa-Katharine Otsuka had previously been delayed until July while she attempted to negotiate a plea bargain. Prosecutors would not say whether such discussions continue.

Last September, Otsuka failed to appear before a grand jury looking into illegal campaign contributions to Harris and city contracting. She later refused to testify before the panel unless granted immunity from prosecution.

Amid that dispute, separate grand juries indicted

Otsuka on theft counts for allegedly stealing money from a dance group and a car-repair shop. Harris has said he does not know Otsuka, and campaign officials insist they have done nothing wrong.