Former Honolulu City Attorney Donna Leong and former Honolulu Police Commission Chair Max Sword have admitted in federal court to conspiring to pay then-Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha $250,000 without city council approval. This payment was made while Kealoha was under investigation for corruption. Former Honolulu City Manager Roy Amemiya also entered a deferred prosecution agreement related to the conspiracy.
The defendants were sentenced to time served and ordered to pay $250,000 in restitution to the city. This resolution concludes a decade-long series of public corruption prosecutions in Honolulu that began with investigations into Chief Kealoha and former prosecutor Katherine Kealoha.
Court documents reveal that Leong, Sword, and Amemiya conspired as city officials to arrange a retirement settlement for Chief Kealoha during his federal investigation. They paid him from city funds without obtaining necessary approval from the Honolulu City Council, violating laws and depriving citizens of due process rights.
U.S. District Judge Leslie E. Kobayashi sentenced Leong and Sword to time served with one year of supervised release. She criticized their actions as "truly misguided" and noted they showed "complete disregard for the separation of powers." The judge stated their actions caused "serious harm" to the community.
Amemiya's deferred prosecution agreement includes conditions such as 200 hours of community service and restrictions on holding public office for two years. If he complies fully, charges against him will be dismissed.
All three defendants agreed to pay restitution matching the amount unlawfully paid to Chief Kealoha. These cases mark an end to public corruption prosecutions led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California after Hawaii's district recused itself.
Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew R. Haden highlighted this conclusion as part of a broader effort against public corruption in Hawaii: “After a decade-long battle against public corruption in Hawaii, we have successfully brought numerous cases to a close." He emphasized that no one is above the law and expressed hope that these efforts have restored some faith in local governance.
FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter praised those involved: “I am proud of the agents and prosecutors who devoted years to these investigations—their tireless efforts reflect our continued commitment to root out corruption in our communities.”
The prosecutions were led by Special Attorneys Michael G. Wheat, Joseph J.M. Orabona, Janaki G. Chopra, Colin M. McDonald, and Andrew Y. Chiang.