Honolulu

Honolulu Chef Faces $3.15 Million Judgment for Abusive Workplace Culture After Sous Chef’s Harrowing Experience

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HONOLULU — A jury in Oahu has awarded more than $3 million to a former sous chef who alleged he suffered violent abuse by the executive chef at a Honolulu restaurant. The case was brought by Andrew DeBellis, who worked at Margotto Hawaii from October to December 2023 and claimed the restaurant’s owner enabled the abusive behavior. The jury’s verdict, handed down on June 24, included $1.05 million in compensatory damages and an additional $2.1 million in punitive damages. DeBellis accused chef Yohei Yagishita of repeatedly assaulting him physically, causing injuries that included a torn … Read more

Legal Challenge Unfolds as Honolulu Police Accused of Arresting Sober Drivers to Meet DUI Quotas

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Honolulu, Hawaii — A federal lawsuit has been filed against the Honolulu Police Department, claiming that officers arrested sober drivers to meet their driving under the influence (DUI) arrest quotas. The suit, initiated by a resident arrested last year, accuses the department of using unlawful methods to increase DUI apprehensions. According to court documents, the plaintiff, identified as an unnamed individual, alleges that they were pulled over and falsely charged with DUI after passing a field sobriety test. The lawsuit states that the driver was sober at the time of arrest but was taken into … Read more

Jury Deliberates Fate of Honolulu Contractor in High-Stakes Murder Retrial

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HONOLULU — Closing arguments concluded on Wednesday in a Honolulu courtroom where Eric Thompson, an East Honolulu contractor, stands accused of the January 2022 murder of Jon Tokuhara, an acupuncturist from Waipahu who was romantically involved with Thompson’s wife. The case, now in the hands of the jury, undergoes its second trial after the first ended in a mistrial with the jury deadlocked and unable to reach a unanimous decision. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ben Rose presented Thompson as a calculated individual with both the motive and capability to commit the murder. According to Rose, evidence … Read more

Honolulu Developer Indicted for Illegal Campaign Contributions Using Employee Names

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Honolulu – A prominent local developer was indicted this Monday, accused of manipulating campaign finance by making donations under the names of his employees during the 2020 Honolulu mayoral election. Timothy Lee, CEO of JL Capital, faces nine counts related to these allegations, which could have severe legal repercussions. Authorities say Lee funneled $13,000 through employees to the mayoral campaigns of Keith Amemiya and Kymberly Pine. This method of contribution, known as a false name donation, is considered a serious violation of the electoral integrity laws meant to ensure transparency and fairness in political funding. … Read more