Whatever Happened...

An update on past news

Wednesday, June 19, 1996

Kauai embezzler still in prison

Question: What ever happened to the treasurer of Kauai County convicted of embezzling more than $1 million? Is he still serving time?

Answer: Former Kauai treasurer Henry Furutani remains in Kauai Community Correctional Center.

On Dec. 13, 1994, he was ordered to spend 10 years in jail and pay back $1.3 million he stole from the county to support his gambling. Furutani, then 42, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft, racketeering and forgery for stealing the money, most of it in cash, from the county's general fund while he was treasurer.

Deputy Attorney General Lawrence Goya said Furutani committed 250 thefts over three years. Furutani also took $200,000 from a private company that rented golf carts at Wailua Golf Course.

Circuit Judge Clifford Nakea gave Furutani the maximum sentences of 10 years each on the theft and racketeering charges and five years for forgery. The terms are being served concurrently. Nakea also ordered Furutani to repay the $1.3 million.


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