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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted at 1:02 p.m., Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Former head of Aloha Stadium security pleads guilty

Advertiser Staff

The former head of security at Aloha Stadium pleaded guilty today to a conspiracy charge of extorting an owner of two nightclubs of cash in exchange for information about Honolulu Liquor Commission inspections.

Herbert Naone Jr., 57, pleaded guilty to the charge that carries up to 20 years in prison, but he also agreed to cooperate with federal authorities and testify in court if necessary.

Naone admitted in court he participated in the conspiracy in 2004 and 2005 to extort the two nightclubs.

"I did receive money for that," he said.

Federal prosecutors said Naone received about $500 a week.

Naone's attorney Christopher Evans said he hopes his client can get probation when he is sentenced by U. S. District Judge David Ezra Feb. 5. Naone remains free on bond.

Naone was the stadium security chief during the conspiracy, but no longer has the job and is now in "retirement," Evans said.

Naone was among more than 35 defendants charged in a series of indictments returned by the federal grand jury this year following a massive two-year FBI investigation that included wiretaps of phones, including one belonging to Naone.

James Rodenhurst, a Honolulu Liquor Commission supervisory inspector, was among those charged.

He is accused of participating with Naone in the extortion conspiracy.

Rodenhurst's trial is scheduled for next month.

Others charged in the indictments include five police officers.