Today's money trail follows $75,000 from the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to an Iowa consulting firm to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington. It's not a lot of money, but it's a curious and instructive expenditure.

A couple of years ago, DHHL signed a $75,000 contract with StrataVizion Consulting Group Inc., for help in getting "rural development" money from the USDA.

The contract was signed months after USDA Deputy Secretary James R. Mosely signed a memo of understanding with Gov. Linda Lingle's administration "to work cooperatively to improve rural home ownership and economic development programs."

OK. The feds have money, and they're in a spending mood. Let's get someone to help. But the help, StrataVizion, is in Des Moines, not D.C. Why StrataVizion?

According to DHHL records, principals of the company had "numerous years in governmental affairs, policy planning and working in Washington." And the company had a "demonstrated ability" to work with the USDA.

StrataVizion has excellent Republican Party credentials. David Roederer, its head, is an associate of Terry Nelson, past political director of the 2004 Bush-Cheney re-election campaign and former executive director of political operations for the Republican National Committee.

Nelson has no interest in StrataVizion, but he and Roederer maintain close ties. Nelson is director of Arizona Sen. John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign. Roederer heads the McCain campaign in Iowa.

According to records, Roederer coordinated a 2004 meeting in Washington between DHHL and the USDA deputy secretary. DHHL paid Roederer's air fare and hotel bills in D.C.

StrataVizion and Roederer are not registered Washington lobbyists. Roederer said he did not lobby: "We helped the department to prepare its grant applications" and provided other assistance.

The contract said StrataVizion would "formulate draft legislation, develop strategies to assist in introduction of legislation in Congress, provide information, and educate key agency and congressional staff and elected officials as requested."

That sounds like lobbying, but Roederer said the work never progressed that far.

DHHL spokesman Lloyd Yonenaka said the contract was a success. It's still in force.

If you know that a particular money trail will lead to boondoggle, excessive spending or white elephants, reach Jim Dooley at 535-2447 or jdooley@honoluluadvertiser.com