10 WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE:
BOB WATADA
STAR-BULLETIN FILE
Campaign-spending
watchdog bites corruptionSeventh of ten parts
When Bob Watada began his tenure as executive director of the state Campaign Spending Commission almost eight years ago, he "found it difficult to believe there was political corruption" in elections, the very hallmark of democracy.
But after dealing with hundreds of cases of just that -- and completing investigations into more than 80 local companies resulting in more than $1 million in penalties over the past two years -- Watada says he's "not naive anymore."
Some fought controversial battles. Others made headlines or worked quietly behind the scenes. But all made an impact on Hawaii in 2003 and are thus recognized as the Star-Bulletin's 10 who made a difference.
"My eyes have been opened up," he said.
"Democracy means it should be equal for everybody. Certain people shouldn't get to the front of the line just because of the amount of money they have."
Watada's supporters credit him with radically changing the environment of Hawaii politics by enforcing campaign spending laws that were meant to protect voters -- and keep the election process honest.
Before, "everybody sort of gave a wink and nod and knew all of the different schemes," said city Prosecutor Peter Carlisle. Watada "just put his foot down and said that's not going to happen and then followed it up with action."
Over the course of 2003, Watada's four-person office has doggedly sifted through some 50 investigations, rendered considerable fines against a number of violators and worked on cases that involved donations from several well-known companies.
In October, in one of the cases that makes Watada proud of his office's work, the Campaign Spending Commission ordered SSFM International Inc. Chief Executive Officer Michael Matsumoto to pay a record $303,000 fine.
Matsumoto allegedly laundered more than $400,000 in illegal campaign funds to Harris, ex-Maui Mayor James "Kimo" Apana and other isle Democrats.
"My job is to make certain that the law is carried out," Watada said. "I don't make it personal in terms of any politician. We have to do this whether it's the top corporation in the state or the governor."
