From The Verifiable Truth

The Long Island Herald is reporting that Detroit Casino Syndicator Michael Malik presented further details about his plans to develop a casino using a partnership with the Shinnecock Indian Nation at an appearance before the Elmont Chamber of Commerce on October 20th.

(lt-to-rt) lobbyist Michael McKeon, attorney Lance Boldrey, Gov. John Waihee & Detroit Syndicator Michael J. Malik

The Herald reports, "Malik's associates, Michael McKeon, Lance Boldrey and John Waihee also attended the meeting."

Michael McKeon is a partner with Mercury Public Affairs, a New York-based lobbying and communications firm that Malik/Ilitch (Gateway Casino Resorts) affiliates retain. Lobbying disclosures suggest that Malik/Ilitch have paid Mercury more than $1.5 million to lobby New York officials in support of their various Shinnecock casino schemes.

Lance Boldrey is an Indian law attorney at the Dykema law firm. He works near exclusively with Malik/Ilitch affiliates. His official bio indicates he is "primary counsel to Gateway Casino Resorts, the development and management partner of New York's Shinnecock Indian Nation."

John Waihee is the wildcard in this group. TVT has not previously seen his name associated with the Detroiters or their affiliates. John D. Waihee III is the former Governor of Hawaii (1986-1994) and previously served as Lieutenant Governor (1982-86). While Governor, Waihee opposed gambling in Hawaii and routinely threatened to veto any such bill that would pave the way for or establish gambling.

In 2006, American Express filed suit against Waihee attempting to collect $72,000 he owed on two credit cards. In November 2004, the Bank of Hawaii filed a foreclosure lawsuit against Waihee and his wife, Lynne, concerning the couple's Nu'uanu home. Their son, John D. Waihee IV, has been an elected trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs since 2000 and the first son of a former Hawaii governor ever elected to state public office. In 2007 he was arrested on DUI charges and plead no contest.

Governor Waihee is a Honolulu attorney who is reported to be close to Bill & Hillary Clinton. Gov. Waihee has been linked to various controversies since leaving office. Most recently allegations surfaced regarding his role in the financial failure of RightStar Hawaii, the largest group of funeral homes in the state.

One existing connection is John Radcliffe, a Hawaii lobbyist and political operative (Radcliffe & Associates / Capitol Consultants of Hawaii, LLP) who has represented Malik/Ilitch gaming interests from 2001-2008 through an affiliation with Tom Shields' firm Marketing Resource Group. Radcliffe has also included Gov. Waihee among his clients. In 2010, Radcliffe was one of those screening potential Cabinet Officers for Hawaii Gov. Abercrombie.

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