HNN: Former Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro Arrested - Honolulu Civil Beat

Power local, independent journalism with a gift today and help us reach our goal of $250,000 by December 31.

Thanks to 738 donors, we've raised $108,000 so far!

Donate

Former Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro has been arrested by the FBI as part of the ongoing massive public corruption probe that resulted in the conviction of ex-Honolulu Police Chief Louis Kealoha and his wife, Katherine.

He self-surrendered to authorities just before 6 a.m. Friday at his condo in Waialae and was escorted by FBI agents.

Hawaii News Now was on hand when FBI agents arrested former Honolulu prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro at his home on Friday. Hawaii News Now/2022

Kaneshiro received a target letter from the Department of Justice in 2018, when he too became a focus of the case.

He was on paid leave for two years before his term expired and Steve Alm was elected to replace him.

It comes after three former high-ranking city officials were arrested and charged with conspiracy to defraud the U.S. as part of the city’s $250,000 payout to the disgraced former police chief in 2017, despite the fact that he was already a target of a federal investigation.

The three, who all served in the former Mayor Kirk Caldwell administration, are:

  • Former city Managing Director Roy Amemiya;
  • Ex-Honolulu Police Commissioner Max Sword;
  • And former Corporation Counsel Donna Leong, who was the city’s top civil attorney.

Louis Kealoha, meanwhile, is serving a seven-year prison term in Oregon for obstruction, conspiracy and bank fraud ― all crimes committed while he led HPD.

Support Civil Beat during the season of giving.

As a small nonprofit newsroom, our mission is powered by readers like you. But did you know that less than 1% of readers donate to Civil Beat?

Give today and support local journalism that helps to inform, empower and connect.

About the Author

Mahalo!

You're officially signed up for our daily newsletter, the Morning Beat. A confirmation email will arrive shortly.

In the meantime, we have other newsletters that you might enjoy. Check the boxes for emails you'd like to receive.

  • What's this? Be the first to hear about important news stories with these occasional emails.
  • What's this? You'll hear from us whenever Civil Beat publishes a major project or investigation.
  • What's this? Get our latest environmental news on a monthly basis, including updates on Nathan Eagle's 'Hawaii 2040' series.
  • What's this? Get occasional emails highlighting essays, analysis and opinion from IDEAS, Civil Beat's commentary section.

Inbox overcrowded? Don't worry, you can unsubscribe
or update your preferences at any time.