Posted on: Friday, November 14, 2003

Promoter indicted in Van Morrison case

By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

A federal grand jury yesterday indicted New York-based entertainment promoter Kenneth Vangel for allegedly defrauding the Honolulu Marathon Association of nearly $50,000 by promising to arrange for singer Van Morrison to appear at a concert here on Dec. 12.

U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo said Vangel told the marathon association that he was an agent of Morrison when he had no ability to secure his services.

The association paid Vangel more than $47,500 for Morrison to perform at a concert and lu'au at the Waikiki Shell.

Vangel is charged with four counts of mail fraud, each of which carries a five-year maximum prison term and a fine of up to $250,000, Kubo said.

Marathon association president Jim Barahal said the organization was glad to see the incident moving toward resolution but added, "It's a sad episode because no one likes to see anyone indicted."

The marathon association had mailed Vangel and his company four checks in October 2002 to set up Morrison's appearance.

The FBI handled the investigation.

Vangel, 55, lives in Suffern, N.Y.

The concert on Dec. 12 now will showcase Hawai'i entertainers Keali'i Reichel and Jake Shimabukuro.