The Clarence Ching Foundation has been active in state and city politics in regard to the sale of Kukui Gardens.

Billing records show that the foundation's lawyers had discussions with representatives of Mayor Mufi Hannemann, city Councilman Romy Cachola and Ted Liu, director of the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

Attorney Alan Goda's billings show that he had nine telephone conversations or meetings with Cachola about Kukui Gardens between April 2006 and August 2006. Goda billings also show that he met with Hannemann's adviser Jeff Coelho and Deputy Managing Director Trudi Saito on Aug. 21, 2006.

In a memo dated April 28, 2006, the foundation's public relations firm McNeil Wilson Communications Inc. outlined a strategy to "eliminate any legislative interference with the closing of the sale of Kukui Gardens" by targeting Cachola and Hannemann.

About that time, city Councilman Rod Tam had introduced a city measure to condemn Kukui Gardens. The measure was pulled after state legislators introduced a similar measure. The state Legislature approved a condemnation bill last year, and the measure was signed into law in July 2006 by Gov. Linda Lingle.

"Both the mayor and Cachola know that a threat to condemn is an empty threat. The city does not have the money," the McNeil Wilson memo said.

"Another reality, not lost on these two individuals, is that if they sign on to condemnation, standing in the wings is a plethora of homeless affordable housing advocates who will be asking the question, 'What about us?' "

City spokesman Bill Brennan said Kukui Gardens' representatives provided a briefing for members of Hannemann's staff to explain their reasons for selling the apartments. Brennan said there were no discussions about legislation or city policy.

Cachola, whose district includes Kukui Gardens, said he met with attorneys for Kukui Gardens but said that no lobbying was conducted during those meetings. During the meetings, Cachola said he asked for information about the sale and about the trust that owns Kukui Gardens. The discussions did not cover legislation, he said.

Cachola said his concern is to protect the tenants and keep the units affordable in perpetuity. Otherwise, many residents may wind up homeless, he said.

When asked why Kukui Gardens' owners were targeting his support, Cachola said: "I don't know why they came up with that memo. The only thing I can glean is that being the councilmember of the district, they are giving me a courtesy to meet with me."

"Other than that, I don't know what the reason is."

Reach Rick Daysog at rdaysog@honoluluadvertiser.com.