O
n Wednesday afternoon, a circuit court heard new arguments over alleged campaign‑finance violations involving real‑estate developer Timothy Lee. Prosecutors claim Lee directed employees to donate to 2020 political campaigns. The defense again challenged the 2010 statute’s wording. Attorney Thomas Otake insisted the contributors owned the funds at the time of donation, while Deputy Attorney General Thomas Michener countered that legality hinges on whether Lee supplied the money before or after the contributions. Judge Clariss Malinao ordered both sides to file supporting documents and set a 30‑business‑day deadline for a ruling. The case may proceed to trial or be dismissed.