HONOLULU (CN) — Norman Akau III, a former union board member and the founder of a Kaneohe-based motorcycle gang, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison on Tuesday for his involvement in the criminal organization led by the late Honolulu businessman Michael J. Miske Jr.
This sentencing is part of a broader effort by federal prosecutors to dismantle what they term the “Miske Enterprise,” which allegedly operated in Hawaii from the late 1990s until 2020 under Miske’s command.
During Miske’s trial, prosecutors outlined a range of serious crimes linked to the association, including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and the use of chemical weapons alongside a consistent pattern of financial crimes.
Akau, now 52, was in custody as Chief U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson reviewed both his past conduct and the defense’s plea for a five-year sentence, which was ultimately denied.
Judge Watson deliberated Akau’s cooperation with prosecutors against what he referred to as the defendant’s efforts to manipulate the trial proceedings surrounding his former associate.
Watson remarked, “The defendant should be thrilled to get anything of value for what he did,” indicating the complexity of Akau’s situation, where he sought to support the prosecutors while simultaneously undermining the case against Miske.
Federal prosecutor Michael Nammar detailed Akau’s alarming activities within the enterprise, which included impersonating a police officer, carrying firearms despite being a convicted felon, and being involved in murder-for-hire contracts.
According to Nammar, Akau’s behavior demonstrated a “complete lack of moral compass” during his time with the organization.
He highlighted a near-fatal plot where Akau was poised to kill a union official, referred to in court as Victim 12, but was intercepted by Miske’s right-hand man, Wayne Miller.
Watson pointed to three key events to underscore Akau’s dangerous activities: an armed robbery of a drug dealer while masquerading as law enforcement, a planned assassination of Victim 12, and another murder contract linked to a man Miske accused of causing his son’s death.
Despite the severe implications of these actions, Akau ultimately did not execute the contract involving the alleged murderer.
His attorney, Ramiro Flores Jr., contended that Akau’s cooperation was jeopardized due to inadvertent disclosures of privileged communications with his prior attorney but affirmed that Akau provided crucial testimony that contributed to Miske’s conviction, particularly regarding a kidnapping and potential murder scheme involving another associate.
The court recognized this testimony as essential in securing a conviction against Miske, demonstrating the tension within Akau’s dual role.
In his statement to the court, Akau expressed his regret, saying, “I am truly sorry for all the hurt and harm that my actions have caused. I accept full responsibility for my actions. In the past, I made poor decisions that brought me here today.”
He spoke about life and the lessons learned from his experiences during his nearly five years in custody, reflecting on the value of time and how it can be both precious and cruel.
Along with his prison term, Akau will face three years of supervised release once his sentence is served. Judge Watson waived any fines and restitution, imposing instead a modest $100 special assessment fee.
Rehabilitation efforts will be a focus of Akau’s time in prison; the judge recommended placement in a facility that offers access to drug abuse programs, vocational training, and mental health services.
Miske, who was convicted in July 2024 for racketeering and murder, passed away in custody in December due to a suspected fentanyl overdose. His conviction was vacated in February of the following year.
Prosecutors have obtained guilty pleas from multiple associates within Miske’s inner circle, with only one co-defendant, Lance “Hammah” Bermudez, awaiting sentencing, scheduled for July.
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