Gambling Lobbyist Suggests his Scheme for a Waikiki Casino will "Fill Hawaii's Budget Hole"

Blogger's Note: John Radcliffe is a lobbyist for Detroit casino syndicators (investors affiliated with Detroit's MotorCity Casino and failed Indian casino schemes in NY & CA).  For nearly a decade, the Detroiters have been pushing schemes for a stand-alone Waikiki Casino. (learn more at bottom of this post)

Legalizing Gambling Will Be Good For Hawaii
12.20.2011

By John Radcliffe
Gambling Industry Lobbyist

John Radcliffe, Casino Gambling Lobbyist

In a recent Civil Beat editorial, Lowell Kalapa asked the question, “Can Legalized Gambling Fill Hawaii’s Budget Hole?” and then proceeded to argue against it.

The real answer to his question is: “Yes it Can!” Hawaii is the only American state outside of Utah that prohibits gaming. There are 311 million people in the other states and including Hawaii, but excluding Utah, 99.6% of them, live in states that permit gambling, and all of the residents of Utah have hundreds of casinos within easy driving distance of the borders of their state.

What we have here in Hawaii, instead of legal gaming, is a large, uncontrollable, criminal gambling enterprise that involves all sorts of bad elements — including, according to the news reports, rogue police officers. Estimates of the size of our homegrown, illegal, gambling operations range all the way up to one billion dollars per year, and history has shown that Prohibition creates crime, not lessens it. Legalizing gambling will have the same effect that legalizing alcohol had. It will lessen, or even end, that crime. How much “bathtub gin” do you think is made and sold here? None. But there is plenty of illegal gambling and none of it is taxed. If it were taxed, we in Hawaii would have about $50 million in tax revenue added annually.

But what about other, legal, gambling? Hawaii residents also spend about a billion dollars a year on that. Hawaii residents take a total of about 500,000 total trips to Las Vegas, and other gambling destinations each year with many of our citizens taking multiple trips per year. Boyd Gaming alone reported that it earns about $600,000,000 from Hawaii visitors each year. That means that Hawaii is contributing about one billion dollars to the economy of “neighboring” Nevada each year.

Economists like Mr. Kalapa tell us that each dollar spent in a local economy generates about 3.5 times as much, via what they call “the multiplier effect.” That is, the more money that is flying around in an economy, the more money it generates. The billion dollars that Hawaii residents are “contributing” to Nevada, adds about about $3.5 billion each year to their economy and takes from our own. We get nothing. No wonder they love us in Nevada!

All, or virtually all, of our mainland tourists come from states that already have casinos or other forms of gambling, and many of them favor our having one also. After all, there is virtually nothing for tourists to do after dark in Waikiki. No movie theaters. Almost no major entertainment venues. The Waikiki Improvement Association did some polling of our Asian visitors recently, and found that nearly 80% of Japanese, South Korean, and Chinese visitors would appreciate having a casino as an entertainment option in Waikiki.

The bill we had introduced in the legislature last year calls for limited gaming. One stand alone casino, only. All entities that would bid on that single license would have to ante up a $1 million, non-refundable fee, just to bid. The winning bidder would have to pay a $150 million “impact fee” to the state, and the casino itself would be subject to a General Excise Tax of 15%, a tax equal to more than three times the tax paid by all other tax payers in Hawaii. The economic modeling that we did indicates that the single, stand alone, casino would employ 3,660 directly, and produce another 5,717 jobs off-site, increasing the number of total jobs for Hawaii workers by 9,377.

Casinos are very labor intensive. The gross wages per year for those new jobs would amount to an aggregate of nearly $533 million in new money to the local economy. It is expected that the increased taxes from gaming fees, income taxes from employee wages, and from the ripple effect of new vendor jobs, etc., and from the General Excise taxes, will generate an added $86.3 million each year. None of this includes the investment costs for construction and etc. which are estimated to be well in excess of $300 million.

Ah, but what about the “social costs?” The emotional attacks that legalizing gambling will create crime, increase personal bankruptcy, and so on, are always a “hot button” item here in Hawaii. However, the facts in the rest of the country don’t bear them out. Both sides in the casino debate cite various academic studies in their interests, but the only source on that issue that ought to count is the Congressional National Gambling Impact Study Commission, and in its official study of those questions, it found that legalizing gambling has no significant effect on crime, personal bankruptcy, etc., either way. And the facts bear that out among the more than 307 million Americans in 49 states that have already ended prohibition of gambling.

So, to answer Mr. Kalapa’s question, “Can Legalized Gambling Fill Hawaii’s Budget Hole?” The answer is yes, it undoubtedly can help. No single “silver bullet” exists that will solve all of Hawaii’s need to have sufficient income forever. But it goes without saying, that Hawaii will need a wider variety of sources of income than we have now and no other industry is beating down the door. Casino gaming is something that ought to be tried.

Blogger's Note (cont.): Radcliffe represents Detroit gambling interests and his lobbying partner George A. "Red" Morris" represents Las Vegas- based Boyd Gaming Company. Radcliffe and others at his lobbying firm organized the so-called "Citizens for a Better Way" last spring; a front group financed by Radcliffe and his affiliates/clients to push the Waikiki casino scheme.  In April they dumped $40,000 into a sophisticated advertising campaign intended to pressure Hawaii Legislators into supporting their Casino bill. They failed and the individual they recruited to head the so-called citizens group filed a $387,000 bankruptcy after they failed to win legislative support for their Waikiki Casino. While Mr. Radcliffe pimps a casino, it is but one form of gaming. Hawaii could consider a State Lottery, bingo, sports betting and other alternatives without approving any Las Vegas-style casino in Waikiki. The Honolulu Police Department has stood steadfast against Radcliffe's attempts to legalize gambling. Radcliffe is a political confidante of Gov. Neil Abercrombie and began this most recent push for a Waikiki casino by being the first to contribute to Abercrombie's gubernatorial campaign. He's been pushing the administration to support a casino as a new source of  revenue.  After the Governor's election, Radcliffe helped ID and place key staff in the administration including those who've previously worked to legalize gambling in Hawaii. 

Did the Honolulu Star-Advertiser Purge Comments Exposing Pro-Gambling Front Group? Why Didn't Seasoned Political Reporter Investigate Further?

On July 24, 2011, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser ran a story entitled "Entrepreneurs get rolling on Waikiki casino idea," by Richard Borreca whose pieces on politics appear in the Star-Advertiser on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Borreca wrote on the overnight emergence of the so-called "Citizens for a Better Way," a pro-gambling advocacy group for which Liz Hata Watanabe was recruited as spokesperson.

The Hawaii Free Press reports that the following was among comments originally attached to the article:

“Borreca stays in the shallow end of the pool once again. Major players? Liz is consistent: 100% track record of failure. With all of biographical info he puffed her up with, why omit an important fact -- her bankruptcy filing in June, 2011, which details her train wrecks and the $300,000 plus she stiffed her creditors for. She is a success only at self-promotion which you and others facilitate at the expense of reality. Coelho was an advisor to Mufi. More relevant was that he was the managing director for less than a year and eased over to Director of Customer Service. After three years with Salem, he is soon to be retired and moving to the Mainland. Whoever hires Radcliffe, though, gets something for the money -- newspaper space even if the stories are fantasies.”

Now consider the power of press censorship. The article as it currently appears at staradvertiser.com has been purged of that comment and any others that may have been left originally.

Is it as the writer of the comment above suggests, that Borreca lacks skills as a true investigative political reporter?  Or that Borreca or perhaps editors at the Star-Advertiser are supportive of legalized gambling?  Could it be that Borreca is a friend of lobbyist John Radcliffe?  Or that Radcliffe consistently makes himself available to Borreca?

That Borreca failed to consider how it was that Radcliffe would claim he wasn't behind Citizens for a Better Way (CFBW) and yet he was answering questions about the organization and its activities is alarming.

That the Star-Advertiser's seasoned political reporter failed to recognize it would take someone with experience and a lot more true sophistication than the likes of Hata-Watanabe to pull of the comprehensive political advertising campaign sponsored by CFBW is disturbing.  That he failed to push either Watanabe or Radcliffe on the question of who was financing their effort or investigate such further -- especially in light of Watanabe's $387,000 bankruptcy and lack of political fundraising skills.

That he never mentioned Hata-Watanabe's troubles with the Honolulu Liquor Control Commission which are well documented in the public record. That he wasn't aware of or failed to report on Watanabe's one season-wonder TV show "Hawaii's Big Deal Poker Tournament" or probe who bankrolled that venture.

Or that Hata-Watanabe's husband is a veteran officer with the Honolulu Police Department which hands down is opposed to the legalization of gambling in Hawaii. And specifically has opposed the stand-alone Waikiki casino that Watanabe and her benefactors are so eager to see approved. (See testimony by HPD Captain Jerry Inouye opposing HB 781).

How Lance Boldrey Turned a Stint in the Governor's Office Into a 10+ Year Multi-Million Dollar Engagement with Detroit Casino Syndicators

Blogger's Note: We've received several inquiries about Michigan gaming attorney R. Lance Boldrey and note an increase in the number of people visiting TheVerifiableTruth.com as part of browser searches of Boldrey's name so we're republishing this 1.08.2007 post originally titled "Aide negotiated '11th Hour' Port Huron casino deal for Gov. Engler; then joined private practice, retained by those who got the deal"

On Sunday, January 7th, the Port Huron Times Herald published an editorial, "Feds must come to aid of Port Huron," suggesting that a Bay Mills Indian Casino planned for that community might still be alive. At the very least, the following raises ethical questions and creates curious circumstances surrounding the proposed casino, deserving of investigation and disclosure.

R. Lance Boldrey joined the staff of Michigan Governor John Engler sometime in 1999 as Deputy Legal Counsel and chief negotiator for Indian Affairs matters in the Governor's third and final term.

Throughout most of Engler’s 12 years as Governor, Engler steadfastly opposed the expansion of Indian gaming... BUT in the final months, with Boldrey helming negotiations, something changed.

In September 2002, roughly three months before Engler's term would expire, the Governor was compelled to sign a land claims settlement agreement Boldrey and others had negotiated the month before with the Bay Mills Indian Community. The agreement would pave the way for a third Bay Mills Indian Community casino to be developed in the urban border town of Port Huron, 350 miles away from its Brimley, MI reservation.

On December 20, 2002, with less than two weeks remaining on his term, Gov. Engler also signed a new Tax Agreement with the Bay Mills Indian Community covering (or protecting) the Tribe, its proposed Port Huron casino and other commercial and trust properties. Presumably Boldrey played a lead role in those negtotiations as well.

Oddly enough, the so-called "land claims" made by the Bay Mills Tribe in 1996 (the threat driving any need for a Settlement Agreement at all) were never verified. Both state and federal courts tossed out the claims, at that time, on administrative grounds. This raises question about the rushed 11th hour change of policy by Engler and the need for any Settlement Agreement at all. Did the state trade a casino for land claims that weren't legitimate afterall? Were the circumstances surrounding the Settlement Agreement just a theatrical smokescreen to rationalize approval for a third Bay Mills Tribal casino in Port Huron?

But Engler knew the land claims weren't valid and that they were being used to leverage a casino because in a 1999 opinion letter published by the Record Eagle intended to set the record straight, Engler wrote:

"... I find it remarkable that Congressman Stupak would step in at this late date and join with the Bay Mills Tribe in using the Charlotte Beach homeowners as political pawns. Make no mistake about it - Congressman Stupak's proposal is solely about trying to give the Bay Mills Tribe an otherwise illegal casino..."

"... the state of Michigan has stood by these properly owners since day one, defended them in court, and won the dismissal of the Bay Mills lawsuit against the Charlotte Beach owners. I have no doubt that this dismissal will hold up on appeal ..."

R. Lance Boldrey parlayed stint in Governor's
Office into 10+ year million dollar engagement

Within weeks of Engler approving the the Settlement Agreement, Boldrey flew to Washington D.C. and eagerly represented Governor Engler before a U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing on Capitol Hill. Backers of the Bay Mills casino were attempting to railroad congressional approvals in the closing days of the 107th Congress needed to affect terms of the Engler negotiated Agreements.

Boldrey's eagerness might partially be explained in part by the fact that in July 2002 the White House announced the President’s intention to nominate Boldrey to serve as a trustee of the Udall Foundation. The nomination wasn't sent to the Senate until January 2003 and Boldrey was confirmed in April 2003. During that 6-9 month period it was certainly in Boldrey’s interest to increase his profile in Washington D.C and exploit the credentials he’d developed during the short time he worked as Gov. Engler’s Indian Affairs agent. 

With the help of people like Boldrey, first term Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) had drafted and introduced S. 2986 as a companion to the Settlement Agreement on September 20, 2002. Less than two weeks after its introduction (usually this takes months, sometimes even more than a year), the bill was scheduled to be heard before the full Senate Indian Affairs Committee. At the October 10, 2002 hearing, as the Governor's representative, Boldrey sat beside the Bay Mills Community's elected Council President John Lufkins and together they urged the committee’s swift endorsement. It wasn't to be; Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), a leading Democrat and member of the Committee stood in their way.

Time was ticking on the Engler Administration and on the friday before the 2002 Christmas holiday, with less than 5-6 full business days left on the calendar, Governor Engler also signed a new Tax Agreement with the Bay Mills Tribe. Among other protections for the Tribe and its members, the Agreement exempted (page 9) hotel rooms, restaurant food and beverages sold as part of any casino and its adjoining resort properties from lodging taxes, sales taxes and use taxes.

Engler’s 12 year administraton came to an end on January 1, 2003 leaving Boldrey unemployed. But within weeks, Boldrey announced he was returning to private practice. He had decided to join the Lansing office of the Dykema Gossett law firm and was tasked with starting up an Indian Law Practice for the firm. A longtime Engler friend, confidant and political agent Richard D. McLellan was a senior partner in the Dykema office. The Dykema law firm had already been handling legal business matters for the MotorCity commercial casino partnership in Detroit. Ilitch, Malik and others who were founders of MotorCity Casino have been the driving force behind the third Bay Mills casino project for a decade or more.

So, Boldrey joined Dykema and before long, the Bay Mills Indian Community, its casino backers like Marian Ilitch and Michael Malik, and others whom previously had to negotiate across the table from Boldrey in his role as the Governor’s point man had retained Dykema Gossett (Boldrey & McLellan) to work on Indian law and gaming matters at prime corporate law firm rates. Boldrey's role now was to protect and advocate for their interests going forward.

What or who compelled the Governor's dramatic change of direction in the last months and days of his administration? Why this proposal instead of some other? Five years ago, those questions were swept under the carpet.

When had Boldrey decided to return to private practice? When did he open talks with Dykema? What role did Richard McLellan play in recruiting Boldrey? What involvement had McLellan had with the 11th hour negotiations with various tribes including Bay Mills? When did Boldrey's future clients learn of his career move? When did they first discuss a future working together? What relationships did he have with "Charlotte Beach" area land owners then or now? Who did he negotiate against as the Governor's representatives that paid him or Dykema after he joined Dykema?


Certainly an attorney whose credits included pulling-off a deal like this would be in high demand and command the highest of fees.

What relationships if any did Boldrey/McLellan have with attorneys Anthony Andary, Robert Golden?

With all of the other matters deserving greater urgency, why was there such a last minute push five years ago for a Settlement Agreement with Bay Mills Indians when they've yet to prove their land claims valid?

What's really at play in the "Charlotte Beach" (also referred to as "Hay Lake" by Bay Mills Tribal Council President) area referenced in the unverified land claims? The Hay Lake/Charlotte Beach locations are near impossible to find on maps in Chippewa County -- Atlas, Google, USGS, etc. or via governmental agency resources. It's only in old plat maps that one will find a reference to the "Charlotte Beach subdivision" east of the Barbeau community on Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
"Charlotte Beach" is a rather obscure place, not among those included in the USGS master place names data base nor referenced in resources available via the Department of Natural Resources at Michigan.gov; it is not noted as a town or community or any other place of significance in Michigan; other respective state and federal sources simply don't designate the 110- acre place. There are no obvious references noted by non-profit environmental or natural resource protection groups either. In fact, the only modern public documentation that references a place called "Charlotte Beach" in Michigan are documents related to the Bay Mills land claims. It is doubtful Governor Engler or anyone else for that matter had visited Charlotte Beach, Michigan to see for themselves what was going on there. One must wonder what sort of investigation was done to see who really owns land there or who has bought land since.

It just doesn't add up: a complete and documented reversal of a Governor's long held public policy stance opposing the expansion of gaming; no validated land claims, yet a signed Land Claims Settlement Agreement; two existing casinos already, just not in prime urban locations; an 11th hour Tax Agrement too; 110 acres of land in "Charlotte Beach," an area not designated on maps or by any public agencies or non-profit groups as significant or sensitive; and a lead negotiator who was later engaged by the very parties he once negotiated against. Before Congress or any other elected officials or public agencies take any further action, a complete investigation and full disclosures are warranted.

And what role or connections has political consultant Tom Shields (also an Engler insider, political advisor to Rep. Candice Miller, and longtime spin doctor to Mike & Marian Ilitch) played in these schemes?


See also:

• The Dykema Law Firm: the legal team behind the Bay Mills, Los Coyotes & Shinnecock Indian casino schemes
• Boldrey negotiated '11th Hour' Port Huron casino deal for Gov. Engler; then joined private practice, retained by those who got the deal
• Boldrey, McLellan, the Dykema Gossett law firm and their connection to John Engler and the Bay Mills Indian Community
• Michael Malik and partners funded Gov. Engler during gambling negotiations
• Boldrey apparently obtained a conflict-of-interest waiver from Governor Granholm allowing him to represent casino promoter
• Barstow official & Boldrey kept their knowledge of reported Chemehuevi campsite in City of Barstow hush-hush
• Boldrey and other may have mislead Schwarzenegger's negotiator to get approvals for twin casinos
• House Judiciary committee to probe Attorney Boldrey’s dual involvments in Port Huron casino deal
• Casino developer’s representations biased; consultants “specialization” challenged
• Ilitch/Malik said to have paid $10 million in legal fees advancing Port Huron Indian casino
• Dykema Lobbyists set up expense account for Oakland County Exec Brooks Patterson
• Ilitch team out in full force with New York Casino gambling partner
• Dykema lobbyists disclose they are behind Ilitch backed plans for Port Huron casino

To Bypass Carcieri and Other Off-Reservation Casino Hurdles, Detroiters Plan Introduction of "Mandatory Acquisition Legislation" in Congress

Detroiters who stand to gain hundreds of million of dollars developing and operating Shinnecock Indian Nation gambling halls on Long Island and possibly Governor's Island in New York Harbor, are planning to introduce federal legislation to help them secure approvals and get around off-reservation stumbling blocks including the Carcieri ruling.

According to a timeline produced by the Detroiters' consultants, they are planning to carry out a PR campaign beginning in December 2011 that lays the groundwork for something they refer to as "Mandatory Acquisition Legislation."  That includes plans to "work closely with local governments, union, community groups to build and demonstrate support" for projects in Suffolk County and at Belmont Race Track in Nassau County.

From December 2011 - February 2012, the timeline indicates they will:

• Finalize Mandatory Acquisition Legislation for introduction to Congress.
• Finalize PR plans to support congressional introduction and promote passage of Mandatory Acquisition Legislation 

Then in March 2012 they plan to introduce the so-called "Mandatory Acquisition Legislation" to federal officials.

The timeline notes these "ongoing' activities relative to their "Mandatory Acquisition Legislation" strategy:

• Meet with Federal elected officials; Schumer and Gillibrand; Nassau County and Suffolk County Congressional delegation. Demonstrate local support for Project.
• Meet with key Federal and State elected officials needed to support Mandatory Acquisition Legislation. Prepare white papers and testimony for congressional committee hearings.
• Meet with key elected officials, committee chairs, key DOI officials, and present testimony at committee hearings; lobby- lobby- lobby

In addition to up to three casinos on Long Island, the Detroiters may also be eyeing the opportunity to develop a gambling/entertainment mecca on Governor's Island in New York Harbor. (See renderings)

See other materials obtained with the timeline.

Click on the “labels” below to see related posts, documents, resources or visit these any of these posts:

• Ilitch affiliate retains former U.S. Senator Alfonse D'Amato's lobbying firm to push New York Casino plans for Shinnecock
• Al D'Amato retained to advance Detroiters Long Island Casino Schemes is also leading fight for online gaming
• Shinnecock and Ilitch affiliate Gateway Casino Resorts paid $1.5 million to New York Lobbyists
• D.C. Lobbyists Paid $2.33 Million to Advance Shinnecock Casinos
• Shinnecock Casino Backers have dropped $117,500 on top-ranking NY Politicians
• Detroit Casino Syndicators Organize Additional Gaming Affiliates in Decade Long Pursuit of CA & NY Gambling Halls
• Scandal Continues to Plague Political and Lobbying Activities of Detroiters Bankrolling Shinnecock Casino Plans

Although Honolulu PD Actively Opposes Legalization of Gambling; Officer’s Wife is Fronting Group Pushing Mainlanders’ Waikiki Casino Schemes

Click for: Honolulu PD Gambling FAQ

Last Spring, Elizabeth Hata Watanabe, the wife of a Honolulu Police officer, emerged out of nowhere as the head of the so-called Citizens for a Better Way. Despite denials by Watanabe and lobbyist John Radcliffe, the group is apparently a front for a mainland casino syndicate hoping to get approvals to develop and operate a stand-alone Las Vegas-style casino in Waikiki.

The Honolulu Police Department has historically opposed the legalization of gambling in Hawaii. In fact, during Hawaii’s 2011 Legislative Session, HPD Officers endorsed by Police Chief Louis Kealoha testified against bills to allow: on-board gambling on cruise ships docked in Hawaiian waters, bingo, gambling on Hawaiian Homelands and development of a stand-alone casino in Waikiki. The later being the objective of Mrs. Watanabe’s lobbying efforts and a mainland casino syndicate (see links to testimony in Scribd box below).

In nearly every instance where HPD officials provided testimony in opposition to a gambling measure,  lobbyist John Radcliffe provided testimony in favor of gambling.  Radcliffe is believed to be the driving force behind the lobbying group for which Mrs. Watanabe fronts.

Honolulu Police Department's Position on Gambling.
Honolulu Police Department's Gambling FAQ
Honolulu Police Deparment's Ant-Gambling Links

During Fall 2010, Watanabe identified herself as the executive producer of “Hawaii’s Big Deal Poker Tournament,” a reality TV show airing Saturdays on Honolulu’s KHON. Despite promises for a second season of Hawaii’s Big Deal, nothing has materialized. And it’s unclear who bankrolled Season One. Watanabe claimed it was to bring attention to her newly formed tax exempt charitable organization, the Hata Foundation.

For several years prior, Watanabe was owner of failed nightclub and restaurant operations. Her establishments were under increasing scrutiny by the Honolulu Liquor Control Commission (HLCC). Namely she had repeated violations serving liquor to minors and it was alleged that she hid her books from HLCC investigators for four years – nearly the entire time she operated the nightclub. In 2009-10, she had one temporary license revoked and the nightclub’s liquor license was suspended. In the wake of HLCC actions, she chose to shutter the establishments.

After closing the failed nightclub and restaurant, producing one season of “Hawaii’s Big Deal Poker Tournament”, and spending nearly $40,000 on a sophisticated advertising campaign which failed to push legislators to support the mainlanders’ proposal for a stand-alone casino in Waikiki, Watanabe filed a $387,000 bankruptcy.

In other related developments...

HPD Major Arrested on Extortion
Reports from the Associated Press during the last month indicate a Honolulu police Major Carlton Nishimura who is facing federal extortion charges received $6,000 a month to protect an illegal gambling room.

According to the court documents and the FBI, while a captain assigned to a Honolulu patrol district, Nishimura directed subordinate officers to inspect and harass other illegal gambling operations considered by his patron to be direct competition.

Nishimura, 55, has remained in custody since a raid on Nov. 14, when agents said they found about a half-pound of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. They also reported the discovery of $2,400 in cash in a safe, jewelry, gift cards, casino player club cards and a college basketball betting odds sheet.

Gambling Scandal Plagues University of Hawaii Football
Although Honolulu Police say they don’t have enough information to launch an official investigation, allegations surfaced in November to suggest that University of Hawaii football players were involved in a points shaving gambling scheme.

University President M. R. C. Greenwood said she and board of regents Chairman Eric Martinson met with Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha to offer the university's full cooperation.

However, the NCAA said, "We are extremely concerned by the point-shaving allegations involving University of Hawaii football student-athletes and have been in contact with the school since early November."

"We take any allegation of point shaving very seriously as it is a crime that threatens two core NCAA principles -- the well-being of student-athletes and the very integrity of intercollegiate sport."

Subsequently University of Hawaii Warriors Football Coach Greg McMackin resigned under pressure.

Hawaii Attorney General Alleges Former Governor John D. Waihee Looted $39 Million from Funeral Funds

State Sues to Get Back $39M Looted from Graves by John Waihee
12.08.2011

by Purna Nemani, Court House News

Hawaii claims that a law firm that DLA Piper acquired through merger drained $39 million from state-regulated prepaid funeral and cemetery contracts.

The State of Hawaii and The Huntington National Bank, as trustees for 18 Hawaii funeral and cemetery trust funds, sued DLA Piper, "successor in liability through merger to the now-dissolved law firm of Verner Li pfert Bernhard MacPherson and Hand." (REMEMBER THEM FROM BROKEN TRUST???)

The complaint is related to an intervenor complaint filed in February, by former successor trustee Comerica Bank and Trust, consolidated as In re RightStar Related Cases.

Hawaii and the bank "seek damages from Piper arising out of the wrongful acts of a former Verner Li pfert partner and employee, former Governor John D. Waihee III, as alleged in the intervenor complaint and set forth below."

The intervenor complaint is against four former trustees, including Waihee, of 14 preneed trusts and four perpetual care trusts. It seeks an accounting and damages for "inter alia, the trustees' breaches of fiduciary duty by permitting improper withdrawals from, and imprudent investments by, the trusts, and other wrongful conduct"... (Complete Story)

Original Court Document

Also see:

• Rogues Gallery: Hawaii Lobbyists G. A. "Red" Morris, John Radcliffe and company they keep...
• Hawaii's Former Governor John D. Waihee III Opposed Legalized Gambling in Hawaii
• Detroiter Malik Says He's Been Planning Belmont Race Track Casino for 6+ Years; But He Has Yet to Meet with NYRA Officials
• Strange Bedfellows: Hawaii's Former Governor & Detroit's Gambling Promoter?
• Why is Detroiter Mike Malik Dragging former Hawaii Governor Waihee around Long Island, NY?
• Disclosure? And their tangled web: Detroiter Michael Malik, the Jack Utsick Ponzi Scheme, Shinnecock & Bay Mills Indians, and Akerman Senterfitt
• Michael Malik: The Latest Life & Times of a Detroit Casino Syndicator
• Controversy seems to always follow Detroit Casino Syndicator Michael Malik
• Ilitch casino development partner Michael Malik defaults on $1 million bank loan

Hawaii's Gambling Industry Lobbyists

Hawaii's known gambling lobbyists have numerous affiliations in common, plus intermingled business/financial interests and clients with likely conflicts of interest: (A) Boyd Gaming Company transports patrons from the Hawaiian Islands to its California casinos; (B) Casino Syndicate organized by MotorCity Casino interests wants to develop and operate a Las Vegas-style casino in Waikiki. While attempting to suggest their efforts aren't coordinated or known to one another, these amateurs have been sloppy with their fingerprints.

George A. Morris (aka G. A. Morris, G. A. Red Morris, George A. "Red" Morris, Red Morris), affiliated with Capitol Consultants of Hawaii (president) and G. A. Morris, Inc. (a partner in Capitol Consultants of Hawaii). Clients: Marketing Resource Group (MRG) for a Detroit casino syndicate organized by Michael J. Malik, Sr. and Mrs. Marian Ilitch (CCM Merger/Detroit Entertainment dba MotorCity Casino); and Boyd Gaming Company (NYSE: BYD).

John H. Radcliffe, affiliated with Capitol Consultants of Hawaii (vice president and partner) and Radcliffe & Associates. Clients: Marketing Resource Group (MRG) for a Detroit casino syndicate organized by Michael J. Malik, Sr. and Mrs. Marian Ilitch (CCM Merger/Detroit Entertainment dba MotorCity Casino). It's believed he conceived and controls Citizens for a Better Way, LLC.

Elizabeth Hata Watanabe (aka Liz Watanabe, Liz Hata Watanabe, Elizabeth C. Watanabe, Elizabeth C. Jimenez) affiliated with Citizens for a Better Way, LLC as its only member and its manage; and Hata Foundation. Previous affiliations EHW LLC, EHW-II LLC, Hawaii's Big Deal Poker Tournament. Clients: Radcliffe & Associates which represents and receives payments from MRG's Detroit casino syndicate.

Locals' Perception Local
The Detroiters know that generally, locals in most communities are likley to resist the legalization of gambling or the expansion of gambling opportunities if such proposals are championed by outsiders (Las Vegas Casino Lords, Detroit Casino Syndicates, etc.). Trust is a key factor in approving proposals and locals are less likely to trust Las Vegas or Detroit casino operators whose interests might conflict with Hawaii interests. Not to mention, Las Vegas and Detroit have reputations tied to organized crime, higher crime rates, illegal activities, corruption, etc.

Truth is Detroit and Las Vegas Gambling Interests Behind Hawaii Schemes
That MRG (a PR firm) has retained the lobbyists on behalf of its Detroit Casino Syndicate client (MotorCity Casino) is intended to bury the truth that Detroit gambling interests are bankrolling and pushing Waikiki casino development schemes -- not Hawaiians!  Further, the last time the Detroiters were successful pushing plans for casino development, they were fronting for Las Vegas Gambling Lords.  Of the many yet unanswered questions: are the Detroiters via their PR firm actually bankrolling the Waikiki casino schemes on behalf of Las Vegas partners like Boyd Gaming for instance?  You're not likely to get a straight answer from the lobbyists or the Detroiter's PR firm.

See for yourself, the lobbyists hired to push the legalization of gambling in Hawaii were engaged by and are being paid by Detroit gambling interests with ties to Las Vegas Casino Lords -- not locals!

Search lobbyist registrations via the Hawaii Ethics Commission or click on the links in the Scribd.com box below.

See also,

• Marketing Resource Group: the Tom Shields-owned Political/PR Firm is a Slave to Ilitch/Malik Affiliates
• Hawaii's newest lobbyist spent big, catapulting her into the company of 'Big Boys;' Won't reveal identities of those who bankrolled schemes
• Lobbyist John Radcliffe was the First Person to Contribute to Neil Abercrombie's Campaign for Governor of Hawaii
• Hawaii Governor's New Communications Director was Paid Lobbyist for Int'l Gambling Magnate Sol Kerzner
• Capitol Consulants of Hawaii: Double Dipping Gambling Conflicts, Resume Padding Lies or Harboring Secret Partners?
• Detroiters' Lobbyist Laying Groundwork for Waikiki Gambling
• Boyd Gaming establishing first-hand knowledge of and developing customer base in Hawaii, could prove valuable to Waikiki Gambling Hall Operator

Reps McCarthy & Bishop: The Company They're Keeping Will Surely Lead to Regret

Reps. McCarthy & Bishop

While New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo rejected a $10k contribution from crooked Casino Syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr.; Long Island Reps. Carolyn McCarthy & Tim Bishop banked $$$ from the shady character.

Then after cashing the checks, both elected leaders announced their support for the Detroiter's Long Island Casino schemes.

If they’d only done a little due diligence. Or perhaps they too are persons of questionable character?

But as the saying goes, "You can tell a lot about a person by the company they keep."

Highlight’s of Casino Syndicator Michael J. Malik, Sr.'s Criminal Past:

In Michigan, arrested & served probation for child abuse following the public street beating of his girlfriend's 12-year-old son. Reportedly this is one of the reasons Malik won’t get a gaming license from the Michigan Gaming Control Board. (Detroit News)

In Arizona, found guilty of illegally discharging a fire arm and serving out terms of probation which included nearly $15,000 fine and a suspended license. (Minutes of AZ Hearing)

In California, fined multiple times for repeated violations of political reform laws, failing to report dozens of contributions totaling more than $53,000 and fined $10,000 for those offenses. (Matter 2006: FPPC Press Release. Matter 2009: FPPC Press Release and Exhibit 1.)

In Florida, charged with fraud in federal Ponzi scheme related case and forced to repay $170,000. (Goldberg v. Malik: Settlement Agreement). Despite those circumstances, Malik continues an “active” business partnership with Jack Utsick, the international fugitive at the center of the $300 million Ponzi scheme. (AB Funding, LLC: Organization Statement. Complete Michigan DL&EG File.)

See also:

• Growing List of NY Politicians Rejecting $$$ from Ilitch Partner Michael Malik
• NY Governor Cuomo Latest To Reject Campaign Contributions from Ilitch Gambling Partner Michael Malik
• Proof that Ilitch Casinos Partner was in bed with Ponzi Scheme Fugitive Jack Utsick
• Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) Caught Taking More Money from Notorious Law-Breaking Detroit Casino Syndicator

On Twitter:

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy: @RepMcCarthyNY

Rep. Tim Bishop: @TimBishopNY

GAMBLING: Anti-gambling groups outgunned in Capitol debate | PE.com

GAMBLING: Anti-gambling groups outgunned in Capitol debate | PE.com - The Press-Enterprise

11.15.2011

By Jim Miller

jmiller@pe.com

SACRAMENTO — Legalizing some form of Internet gambling in California depends on prominent gaming tribes, the horse-racing industry, key lawmakers and other moneyed interests being able to come to terms.

The outcome does not hinge on what people like the Rev. James Butler have to say.

Butler, executive director of the California Coalition Against Gambling Expansion [CCAGE], is a leading critic of the idea of opening cyberspace to legal gambling. Compulsive gambling already ruins the lives of thousands, he and others contend, and letting people bet without ever leaving the house would make the problem worse.

But as lawmakers weigh the largest expansion of legalized gambling in state history, a once-influential coalition of gambling critics is overshadowed by competing gambling interests or otherwise missing in action.

The focus seems to be on how — not if — government should allow online gambling and derive revenue from it. (Complete Story)

Legal forms of gambling in California

Ruse: Citizens for a Better Way, LLC

ruse  n. (rūs, rūz)

Definition:  strategem intended to mislead, deceive, or trick; conspiracy,wiley subterfuge.

Synonyms:  artful dodge, trick, deceit, deception, conspiracy, angle, sham, stunt, lie, ploy, maneuver, red herring, coup, dirty deal, gimmick, hoax, scheme, racket.

Example:  Citizens for a Better Way, LLC, is a ruse: bankrolled by secret interests who, for whatever reason, want to operate outside the norms of Hawaii's Ethics Commission; and designed by experienced labor and gambling industry lobbyists desperate for the appearance of "grassroots" support demanding approval of schemes to enable a Las Vegas-style casino in Waikiki.


Citizens for a Better Way, LLC at:
Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs
Hawaii Ethics Commission

Sen. Wakai's Affiliate Included in Lobbyist's Bankruptcy; LLC Reportedly Established to Lobby for Gambling in Hawaii Omitted

According to Court Documents filed in the Elizabeth Hata Watanabe bankruptcy case, she owes High Impact Communications located in Honolulu, $3,841.45, noted as a claim for general business services billed in 2010.

HighImpactPR.com | Testimonials

High Impact Communications is a Honolulu public relations firm owned by Glenn Wakai.  Watanabe is featured on the firm’s website: “Testimonials” page. 

“High Impact Communications has been there for me every step of the way. I could not be more satisfied. Glenn’s media strategy and crisis management plans have been key to my profitability. He is quick to respond to requests, takes an energetic approach to projects, and is such a joy to work with.”

- Liz Watanabe, Business Owner

It’s unclear what purposes Watanabe, or her affiliate(s), retained Wakai to provide.  She had closed down her failed O Lounge nightclub (EHW, LLC) and a short-lived restaurant operation (EHW-II, LLC) prior to 2010 but had organized a tax-exempt nonprofit, the Hata Foundation, to raise funds for other charities; and in 2010, that nonprofit was affiliated with Hawaii’s Big Deal: Poker Tournament, a reality TV show that aired on KHON Saturdays during Fall 2010.

Hawaii Sen. Glenn Wakai (D-15th)

As it turns out, Glenn Wakai, a Democrat, also serves as Hawaii State Senator, representing the voters of District 15: Kalihi, Moanalua Gardens, Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Foster Village, Hickam, Pearl Harbor, Pearl Ridge and ‘Aiea. 

Previously, Sen. Wakai served eight years in the State House of Representatives. He is the current vice-chair of the Senate's Committee on Economic Development and Technology, and is a member of the Committees on Ways and Means, and Agriculture.

Wakai was also a TV news reporter affiliated with KHON-FOX2 and KHNL News 8.  He formed High Impact in 2007.

According to the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii website, Wakai was to host the “Stars of Hope” fundraiser for Watanabe and the Hata Foundation in January 2011. Individual tickets were $100; tables of 10 seats $1,000; and sponsorships at $2,000. A blog associated with the Star-Advertiser notes that Sen. Will Espero was also Watanabe’s guest at the event; although there's been disclosure of any gift or payment to Espero.

Limited Liability Company Established &
 Managed By Elizabeth Hata Watanabe 

April 1, 2011, Watanabe reportedly organized and registered Citizensfor a Better Way, LLC (CFBW), with the Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs (DCCA).  About April 2, she registered with the Hawaii Ethics Commission as a lobbyist for CFBW. Watanabe has not previously been registered as a lobbyist. CFBWs mission: Say No to Taxes…Yes to a Single Casino in Waikiki.  By all indications, Watanabe is partnering with career lobbyist John Radcliffe on this effort; but to what extent, is unclear because both have been mysterious and dishonest about details to date.

So, in her original Bankruptcy filing, Watanabe reported owing Sen. Wakai's firm  $3,841.45 but failed to inform the Bankruptcy Court of her affiliation with CFBW, a group she registered with DCCA about six weeks before filing bankruptcy. It's worthy of noting that Watanabe is the only member of CFBW and its Manager. On May 31^st, about two weeks prior to filing bankruptcy, Watanabe, as manager of CFBW, made payments of nearly $40,000 related to “Advertising Media” expenses.  It’s not clear what, if anything, Wakai’s PR firm might have received.  Watanabe and Radcliffe have yet to truthfully disclose where that money came from and to whom it was paid.

Oddly, CFBW failed to report any payments to lobbyist Watanabe as part of its required disclosures for the period ended April 30, 2011; although, as noted above, she is registered with the Ethics Commission.

During Hawaii’s 2011 legislative session, Radcliffe and Watanabe pushed for approval of SB 1247, a bill that would have allowed one commercial casino to be developed in Waikiki at the Aloha Tower and Marketplace.  

As a member of the Senate Ways & Means Committee, Sen. Wakai voted to approve SB 1247, moving it forward in the legislative process. 

@ Scribd.com: Various Documents Related to the Watanabe Bankruptcy

See also:

• Failed Nightclub Owner is a Shameless Self-Promoter
• Hawaii's 'Citizens for a Better Way' isn't a 'Citizens' Group After-all
• Founder of tax-exempt nonprofit produced 'Hawaii's Big Deal: Poker Tournament,' a reality TV show called the 'closest thing to legalized gambling in The Islands'
• Lobbyists Spent $40,000 Manufacturing So-Called 'Citizens' Group Support for Oahu Casino Scheme
• She Said: Here's what Hata-Watanabe had to offer after a recent visit to TheVerifiableTruth.com

Hawaii Gambling Advocates Make Unsubstantiated Claims, False Representations; Won't Reveal Those Bankrolling Lobbying Campaign

Blogger's Note: John Radcliffe (a lobbyist & career union operative who is a confidante of Hawaii's Gov. Neil Abercrombie) and Elizabeth "Liz" Hata-Watanabe, his latest recruit, have failed to be forthcoming and instead demonstrate a conspiracy to mislead and even deceive Hawaii's journalists, voters, public officials and legislators in order to get approvals for their Detroit/Las Vegas clients to build a casino in Waikiki.

Entrepreneurs get rolling on Waikiki Casino idea

7.24.2011

By Richard Borreca

Liz Hata Watanabe is not one to sit on the sidelines. The former nightclub owner and entrepreneur has a new cause: getting Waikiki a casino.

Watanabe founded Citizens for a Better Way, an organization she says has more than 300 active members lobbying for a casino to provide new jobs and a new business for Hawaii...

That Citizens for a Better Way (CFBW) has “300 active members lobbying for a casino” is curious.  They may have used mainland money to fund an automated robotic telephone poll or canvas of voters, among whom 300 said they would support the idea of a casino in Honolulu, but that hardly represents “300 active members lobbying.”

Further, that Watanabe represents she has 299 other people actively lobbying for their casino schemes and yet the Facebook page for CFBW, activated more than six months ago, only has 14 fans or “Likes,” suggests someone’s exaggerating the truth again.

Not to mention, when Watanabe organized CFBW she did so as a limited liability company and in the paperwork she filed with the Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs she specifically designated that CFBW would only have one member and it was Watanabe.

When Jim Dooley, an investigative reporter for HawaiiReporter.com asked lobbyist John Radcliffe & Watanabe where they were getting the money to support CFBW and how much they’d spent lobbying, they refused to reveal where the funds were coming from and told Dooley they would spend “very little.” Very little? 

But when Watanabe was mandated to file a lobbying campaign disclosures report in May 2011, they had spent nearly $40,000 on “Advertising Media.” Very little? Out of 230 entities that reported they’d spent money lobbying in Hawaii, only four spent more than CFBW; the truth is, the pro-casino group fronting for mainland gambling interests was among the Top Five Lobbying Spenders!

Elizabeth Hata Watanabe's $387,000 Bankruptcy

From the notice published in Pacific Business News, July 7, 2011, Page 33:

Case: 11-01679

Filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Hawaii
June 14, 2011 | Case: 11-01679
Elizabeth C. Watanabe (aka Elizabeth Hata Watanabe)
91-209 Kupiapia Place, Ewa Beach, Oahu 96706
Philip W. Miyoshi, attorney

Subsequent filings in the case (see Scribd.com box below) suggest it is a $387,000 Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

Two other lawsuits are referenced in the court filings:

• Watanabe v. Costco, Case CV08-1-001118, personal injury;  and
• Central Pacific Bank v.  EHW-II, LLC, Case CV11-1-0201, contracts.

Among her various debtors, High Impact Communications, a PR firm owned by Hawaii State Senator Glenn Wakai, for business services provided in 2010.  Hata-Watanabe had closed down her failed restaurant and nightclub in 2008 & 2009 respectively.  In 2010, her affiliate the Hata Foundation, a nonprofit tax-exempt organization which Hata-Watanabe founded and serves as caretaker & Director partnered with a reality TV show that Hata-Watanabe executive produced, “Hawaii’s Big Deal: Poker Tournament.”

Failing to get a second season of “Hawaii’s Big Deal” off the ground, Hata-Watanabe eventually found herself partnering with lobbyist John Radcliffe, a Democrat representing labor and gambling clients, and entangled in a group called Citizens for a Better Way, LLC, in which Hata-Watanabe reported she organized, was the only member and its manager via an April 1, 2011 filing with the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs. CFBW’s mission: Say No to Taxes…Yes to a Single Casino in Waikiki

Elizabeth Hata Watanabe

In disclosures filed with the Hawaii Ethics Commission and dated May 31, 2011, Hata-Watanabe represented that CFBW had spent nearly $40,000 lobbying for a Waikiki casino during March & April 2011.  She and Radcliffe refuse to disclose where the funds came from and who specifically the payouts went to. CFBW failed to report any payments to Hata-Watanabe.

Radcliffe and Hata-Watanabe specifically sought legislative support for SB 1247.  Senator Wakai had approved the bill February 24, 2011 as part of the Senate Ways & Means (WAM) Committee.

It’s unclear what services Senator Wakai’s PR firm had provide to Hata-Watanabe.  Further, it’s unclear what contact Hata-Watanabe might have had with Wakai lobbying for passage of SB 1247; amd also unclear who received the nearly $40,000 in “Advertising Media” payments made during March & April by Hata-Watanabe’s CFBW group.

Hawaii's newest lobbyist spent big, catapulting her into the company of 'Big Boys;' Won't reveal identities of those who bankrolled schemes

Blogger's Note: John Radcliffe (a lobbyist & career union operative who is a confidante of Hawaii's Gov. Neil Abercrombie) and Elizabeth "Liz" Hata-Watanabe, his latest recruit, have failed to be forthcoming and instead demonstrate a conspiracy to mislead and even deceive Hawaii's journalists, voters, public officials and legislators.

citizensforabetterway.com

Hawaii lobbying disclosures reveal that Citizens for a Better Way, LLC, (CFBWllc) a for profit enterprise organized on April Fool’s Day 2011 and purported to be a grassroots citizens’ committee, actually spent nearly $40,000 on a lobbying & advertising activity during March and April 2011.  The group was formed by gambling industry lobbyist John Radcliffe and associates at the Capitol Consultants of Hawaii lobbying firm.  Then they hooked up with Liz Hata-Watanabe, to help advance the lobbyists’ schemes intended to secure approval for a gambling syndicate from Detroit to develop and operate a Las Vegas-style commercial casino in Waikiki.

But when Jim Dooley (HawaiiReporter.com) queried them in April about their sneaky last minute efforts, Radcliffe and Watanabe danced around, played coy and Radcliffe told him they were spending “very little.” That's not the only lie he told in this conspiracy -- but more on that in the coming days.

In its infancy, CFBWllc spent very aggressively, and that catapulted the newbie to a place on the list of Hawaii's Top Five Biggest Spenders – 5^th out of approximately 230 entities that spent money lobbying. Only four others spent more: trial lawyers, soft-drink beverage producers, Philip Morris and the teachers association -- notoriously big spenders across the country!

Hawaii's Top 5 Biggest Spenders	Lobbying Expenses
1.       Hawaii Association for Justice (trial lawyers)	$119,424.04
2.       American Beverage Association (soft-drink beverage producers)	$90,585.95
3.       Altria Clients Services Inc. and its affiliates (Philip Morris)	$51,925.61
4.       Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA)	$41,210.18
5.       Citizens for a Better Way, LLC	$39,093.10

TheVerifiableTruth.com (TVT) has uncovered details, some which have already been shared, suggesting gambling lobbyist John Radcliffe -- a confidante of Gov. Neil Abercrombie -- and Radcliffe’s associates at Capitol Consultants of Hawaii, are the driving forces behind CFBWllc, their so-called "grassroots" "citizens" group; and Watanabe is their tool. 

Lobbyists at Capitol Consultants count among their clients a Detroit Casino syndicate (Michael Malik, Marian Ilitch/MotorCity Casino, Marketing Resource Group) and the publicly traded Boyd Gaming Company which has casinos in Las Vegas and across the U.S. and currently shuttles patrons back-and-forth from Hawaii to its California gambling halls. Both entities have significant investments and interests in Hawaii's gambling market.

Despite proof to the contrary, Radcliffe and Liz Hata-Watanabe, a person identified as the group’s founder, deny involvement by their gambling industry friend from Detroit and Las Vegas.  Then again, they have yet to disclose who is behind the group, truly.  After all, $40,000 isn’t a drop in the bucket -- especially since Watanabe has since filed bankruptcy.

CFBWllc was organized in a way to specifically avoid disclosing where the funding is coming from – at least for now. As structured, CFBWllc is only required to disclose expenses and even then, not detailed expenses, but buckets of spending as allocated into pre-established spending categories. Then again, that current simplified standard of reporting may be what contributes to their eventual downfall because they are amateurs with delusions of Jack Abramoff!

The next round of disclosures won’t be required until after the New Year.

Radcliffe and Watanabe have failed to be forthcoming and instead have, possibly with the participation of others, conspired to mislead and even deceive Hawaii's journalists, voters, public officials and legislators.  Examples like theirs contribute to the public's general mistrust of government and a belief, by many in our democracy, that corruption is the prevailing standard.

To review related content, click on the "Labels" found under social media share buttons at the bottom of this post or review these select posts:

• Failed Nightclub Owner is a Shameless Self-Promoter
• She Said: Here's what Hata-Watanabe had to offer after a recent visit to TheVerifiableTruth.com
• Failed Nightclub Owner is a Shameless Self-Promoter
• Really? She's Treasurer of the Honolulu County GOP Committee?
• Hawaii's 'Citizens for a Better Way' isn't a 'Citizens' Group After-all
• Lobbyists Spent $40,000 Manufacturing So-Called 'Citizens' Group Support for Oahu Casino Scheme
• There Can Be No Doubt Detroiters' Hawaii Lobbyist John Radcliffe Created Pro-Casino So-Called 'Citizens' Group'
• Citizens for a Better Way, a Group Fronting for Detroit Casino Syndicators in Hawaii, Establishes Digital Media Channels With Poor Result
• Capitol Consultants of Hawaii: Double Dipping Gambling Conflicts, Resume Padding Lies or Harboring Secret Partners?
• Strange Bedfellows: Hawaii's Former Governor & Detroit's Gambling Promoter?
• Founder of tax-exempt nonprofit produced 'Hawaii's Big Deal: Poker Tournament'  the 'closest thing to legalized gambling in The Islands'