DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL INDICTS Terri Ann Otani FOR CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION OFFENSES

DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL INDICTS WOMAN FOR
CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION OFFENSES

HONOLULU — The Department of the Attorney General’s Special Investigation and
Prosecution Division (“SIPD”) charged Terri Ann Otani, 70, with four counts of False
Name Contribution that occurred in 2020. In each count lodged on August 28, Otani is
alleged to have intentionally or knowingly contributed to a candidate or candidate
committee in a name other than hers. False Name Contribution is a Class C felony
offense punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
The Campaign Spending Commission referred this matter to the Department of the
Attorney General for an investigation. The investigation was conducted by SIPD, which
is the state of Hawaiʻi’s primary law enforcement unit responsible for investigating and
prosecuting corruption, fraud and economic crimes.
Attorney General Anne Lopez stated, “Campaign contribution laws are important
safeguards that ensure the integrity of our electoral process. The Department of the
Attorney General will vigorously investigate and prosecute individuals that violate those
laws.”
Otani’s arraignment is scheduled for September 8, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. The case, State v.
Terri Ann Otani, 1CPC-25-0001049, is being prosecuted by SIPD Deputy Attorney
General Thomas Michener.
Otani is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in
a court of law.
The public can report corruption, fraud and economic crime to the Department of the
Attorney General’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division using the Submit a
Tip to SIPD website, which is https://ag.hawaii.gov/sipd/tips/. If there is an emergency or
immediately threat to life, please call 911.