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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Lingle picks white-collar crime fighter for bench

By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Deputy Prosecutor Randal Lee, the city's top white-collar crime prosecutor, was nominated to the 1st Circuit Court bench yesterday by Gov. Linda Lingle.

Lee headed the probe many believe led to former Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris' abrupt departure from the 2002 governor's race, and he prosecuted former City Councilwoman Rene Mansho on charges she stole money from the city and her campaign. He also led the prosecution's cases in numerous white-collar scandals including the theft of more than $5 million in taxpayer money tied to the 'Ewa Villages revitalization project, food stolen from the Honolulu Police Department cellblock, and even a scam to rig tee times at municipal golf courses through the city's automated golf reservation system.

Most recently, Lee has worked with police on a probe involving suspected procurement violations in a division of the city Department of Community Services.

The nomination of Lee, 50, must still be confirmed by the state Senate.

Prosecutor Peter Carlisle called the nomination a mixed blessing, noting that Lee is so renowned for his expertise in public corruption and white-collar crime that he trains other prosecutors from across the nation. "He's done it at such a level that he is nationally recognized for his ability," Carlisle said.

"Randal's experience as a deputy prosecuting attorney, as well as his background with the Public Defender's Office, gives him a broad perspective and understanding of the judicial system," Lingle said in a release.

A deputy prosecuting attorney since 1982, he also served briefly as an attorney in the Appellate Branch and Family Court Trials Branch of the Office of the Public Defender.

Lee prosecuted dozens of architects, engineers and others accused of illegal campaign contributions over three years. In nearly all the cases, the defendants had either made excessive contributions or laundered contributions by providing others with money to donate, mostly to Harris. All but a few of the cases were misdemeanors and only two people have served short jail terms. Harris has not been charged with any crime and his lawyers have repeatedly said he did nothing wrong.

Nonetheless, Harris was the front-runner in the 2002 governor's race when he dropped out of the campaign less than three months before the September primary.

Carlisle said while Lee would be missed, the ongoing campaign-contribution prosecutions will continue.

Lee prosecuted the 2000 trial involving former city employee Michael Kahapea, who was sentenced to 50 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple counts for masterminding the theft of $5.8 million from the 'Ewa Villages relocation fund. The theft involved payments made to bogus moving companies owned by friends and family for relocation work that was never done or for highly inflated prices. It was the largest scam in city history.

Reach Gordon Y.K. Pang at gpang@honoluluadvertiser.com or at 525-8070.