Posted on: Tuesday, August 10, 2004

Four plead not guilty in airport bid probe

Associated Press

Two former state officials and two contractors pleaded not guilty in federal court yesterday in connection with an alleged bid-rigging scheme at Honolulu International Airport.

Dennis Hirokawa, who served as the airport's maintenance superintendent, and Richard Okada, who headed the state Transportation Department's Visitor Information Program, were each charged with one count of conspiracy. Hirokawa also was charged with 16 counts of mail fraud.

Hirokawa and Okada retired shortly after being arrested in 2002.

Contractors Michael Furukawa of MF Masonry and Wesley Uemura of Wes' Contracting were named in an earlier 33-count indictment. They are accused of sending inflated bids via U.S. mail from 1998 to 2001. Prosecutors say the two set up dummy companies in a scheme that ensured they would win contracts.

Prosecutors said the scam cost the state more than $2.5 million.

Trial was set for Oct. 13.