Saved by the Judge

The biggest theft of city money in Honolulu history took place under Jeremy's watch. Former city housing official Michael Kahapea was accused of stealing almost $6 million in the Ewa Villages scandal. Newly appointed Circuit Court Judge Rey Graulty somehow wound up with the case and denied the defense any opportunity to question Harris. Graulty had just been appointed judge by Governor Ben Cayetano and remember, Ben, with the help of Dan Inouye, cut a deal with Harris not to run against him in the '98 Democratic primary. And so, Graulty shielded Jeremy from the scandal.

Judge Graulty did allow the defense to question Francis Kaahaaina, the man who threatened to "bring the mayor down with me" if charged in the case. But Kaahaaina could not be found and never testified.   | Next Page | Previous Page | Table of Contents | Part II |