State wants
two trustees’
testimony videotaped

The attorney general is
asking for a court order
to compel the trustees
to comply

Star-Bulletin

The state is seeking a court order to obtain sworn videotaped testimony from Bishop Estate trustee Richard Wong as part of the attorney general's investigation into financial mismanagement and breaches of fiduciary duty.

The motion filed yesterday asks for an Aug. 14 hearing, the same date a similar motion involving trustee Henry Peters will be heard by Circuit Judge Kevin S.C. Chang.

Both Peters and Wong are objecting to having their interviews videotaped.

In its motion, the state contends the interviews are part of an on-going law-enforcement investigation, and that the presence of a videographer and certified shorthand reporter does not compromise Wong's ability to assert testimonial privileges recognized by Hawaii courts.

"We're making a record of the testimony of trustees Wong and Peters and the law does not interfere with our choice on how to do that," Deputy Attorney General Hugh Jones said.

Using a sports analogy, Jones said the trustees are "playing baseball in a National League park and trying to use American League rules."

Philip Brown, Wong's attorney, earlier said the state did not videotape previous testimony by trustees Lokelani Lindsey, Gerard Jervis and Oswald Stender.

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Bishop Estate Archive