Two High-Profile Indictments Rock Hawaii Nonprofits and Lawyer Ethics

News Summary

Hawaii faces a nonprofit scandal as former attorney Robert Chapman and ex-executive director Moanaoio Bjur face multiple felony charges. Chapman is accused of embezzling $750,000 from charities while Bjur allegedly stole over $81,000 from the Conservation Council for Hawaii. The indictments spark concerns about accountability and ethics in the nonprofit sector, with lawmakers calling for improved transparency in fundraising practices.

Two High-Profile Indictments Rock Hawaii Nonprofits

In a shocking turn of events, former Honolulu attorney Robert Chapman has been indicted by an Oahu grand jury on 22 felony charges. This indictment stems from an alleged fraud scheme that shockingly involved pilfering a staggering $750,000 that was intended for charitable purposes. The criminal allegations assert that Chapman forged the will of a deceased client, allegedly allowing him to siphon off funds meant for three charitable organizations, with each charity being deprived of approximately $250,000.

The serious charges against Chapman encompass a range of offenses, including Identity Theft, Forgery, and Unauthorized Possession of Confidential Personal Information. Categorized as Class A, B, and C felonies, each count carries a weighty penalty of up to 20 years in prison, should Chapman be found guilty. His arraignment is set for Thursday, June 27, and the courtroom awaits the proceedings with bated breath.

A Nonprofit Scandal Unfolds

In a separate yet equally alarming case, Moanaoio Bjur, who previously served as the executive director of the Conservation Council for Hawaii, has also found herself caught in a swirl of controversy. Bjur faces felony theft charges after being accused of stealing more than $81,000 from the nonprofit organization. Her alleged fraudulent activities reportedly spanned from February 3, 2021, to February 16, 2022, and included issuing herself 24 payroll payments and facilitating three unauthorized withdrawals from the nonprofit’s PayPal account.

Bjur’s indictment consists of serious charges, including first-degree computer fraud and first-degree theft. The gravity of these felonies places them in the Class A and Class B categories, with the most severe of the charges potentially resulting in a 20-year sentence and a significant fine of $50,000. Meanwhile, Bjur has been released from custody after posting $100,000 bail, but her actions have called into question the management practices within the nonprofit sector.

Nonprofit Oversight Under Scrutiny

As these cases unfold, the public’s trust in nonprofit fundraising practices is being brought into sharp focus. House Speaker Scott Saiki has expressed concerns about the necessity for enhanced transparency in nonprofit fundraising, particularly in light of Maui relief donations. An emergency proclamation has been requested from Governor Josh Green to compel fundraisers to disclose exactly how donations are being utilized.

Amid these discussions, troubling issues have emerged regarding the potential misappropriation of donations toward political campaigns, rather than their intended charitable purposes. An example of this is the involvement of former Maui State Representative Kaniela Ing with the Maui Community Power Recovery Fund, which has reportedly raised around $650,000. While Ing has stated that the majority of these funds have been used directly to assist residents, concerns remain about some donations possibly being used to benefit political candidates.

For donors who may feel uneasy about how their financial contributions could be utilized, there is an option to seek refunds through ACTBlue.com. Consequently, Speaker Saiki emphasizes the pressing need for donor awareness regarding the allocation of contributions—especially in a time rife with scrutiny and uncertainty.

The Fallout

The ramifications of these allegations could be significant, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader nonprofit landscape in Hawaii. As the legal battles begin for both Chapman and Bjur, questions linger about accountability, transparency, and ethical stewardship in nonprofit organizations.

As these high-profile cases continue to unfold, they serve as a stark reminder of the potential for corruption and wrongdoing within sectors that are fundamentally built on trust and the desire to help others. The outcome of these indictments will be closely watched by the public, legal experts, and nonprofit leaders alike.

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