Katherine Kealoha’s Tax-Funded Attorney Wants Out

Cynthia Kagiwada cites a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship with the former Honolulu prosecutor.

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(AP) — A defense attorney appointed to represent a former Honolulu prosecutor convicted of conspiracy wants to part ways with her client.

Cynthia Kagiwada filed a motion Tuesday asking to withdraw as attorney for Katherine Kealoha. The motion says there’s a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship.

Jurors convicted Kealoha and her retired police chief husband, Louis Kealoha, in a plot to frame her uncle. Prosecutors say the couple wanted to hide fraud that funded their lavish lifestyle.

Former HPD Chief Louis Kealoha and Katherine Kealoha walk towards District Court with a new guy in white shirt.
Cynthia Kagiwada, second from right, walks to court with her client, Katherine Kealoha, right, during the recent corruption trial. Cory Lum/Civil Beat

She’s at Honolulu Federal Detention Center while he’s free on bond.

A judge appointed taxpayer-funded attorneys to represent them after they said they couldn’t afford to pay defense lawyers.

Toward the end of the trial, an additional lawyer stepped in to help represent Katherine Kealoha. Earle Partington says he will continue to be her lawyer.

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