Maui Prosecuting Attorney, Minatoya Dies

Richard Minatoya. PC: County of Maui.

Maui Prosecuting Attorney, Richard K. Minatoya, died Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, according to county officials.

Minatoya moved to Maui from Kauaʻi in 1999 for work as a Deputy Prosecutor. He also worked in the Maui Department of the Corporation Counsel. For a brief period he moved back to Kauaʻi, but returned to Maui in 2006, initially serving as a Legal Assistant until January 2007, when a position opened up and he became a Deputy Prosecutor.

He was in charge of the Appellate and Asset Forfeiture Division for the department and was involved in many service organizations.

In his capacity, Minatoya was assigned to introduce legislation for the law enforcement community; he served as a member of the Criminal Jury Instruction Committee, as well as, the Criminal Rules Committee for the Supreme Court; he was a board member for the National District Attorneys Association; and belonged to the following service organizations: Kiwanis Club of Kahului, University of Southern California Alumni Association, Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce; and Maui 442nd Veterans Club.

He is survived by his wife, Setsuko Minatoya.

In a statement on his passing, department officials said, “He served with distinction taking on every task asked of him by the Prosecuting Attorney. He had a keen sense of justice, he was a dedicated public servant, and he did not suffer fools. He had strong opinions formed by values taught to him by his family.”

“We will greatly miss his opinions and laughter.”