Harris' donor to enter plea

Advertiser Staff

A landscape architect is expected to plead no contest to a misdemeanor today for allegedly making an illegal campaign donation to Mayor Jeremy Harris.

Lester Inouye was charged last month with making a political donation under a false name and exceeding the legal donation limit.

In a related case, city prosecutors hope to prove a retired executive is mentally fit to face felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from similar alleged illegal donations.

Larry K. Matsuo, 77, was charged in April with money laundering and making a political contribution under a false name. His attorney has questioned whether Matsuo is able to remember what occurred and can make proper decisions.

The former chief executive officer of Park Engineering appeared in court yesterday but proceedings were postponed until July 29 so information from a doctor can be considered.

Inouye and Matsuo are the latest in a long series of defendants linked to major government contractors who have been charged with campaign-related crimes over the past two years. Harris has not been charged with wrongdoing.