The Trial of the Year Is Coming Up |
 | Attorney Thomas Otake |
|
Not to bury the headline, but we are standing on the precipice of what will undoubtedly be the trial of the year. There are three distinct issues at play here that nobody is really talking about—and it’s time we put them front and center. |
1. The Iron Price of Legal Excellence |
|
There is an insatiable desire from attorneys—both the veterans and the hungry up-and-comers—to observe the great Thomas Otake defend his client Gerhardt Konig. It’s a reminder of a harsh reality: law school teaches you the theory, but it doesn’t teach you how to be an attorney. It certainly doesn’t teach you how to be the best in the state. That part of the game is "sold separately" from your degree. |
|
As my favorite show, Game of Thrones, points out, there are only two ways to gain something of value. To quote the hard-tested Frey family of the Iron Islands: "We choose to pay the iron price." That means earning it through sweat and blood, not just having it handed to you. Mr. Otake has been in the arena and earned his reputation; he’s paid the IRON PRICE and his career should be viewed by others, en mass, for future attorneys to learn from. |
|
The media frenzy and packed hearings—even for pre-trial motions—prove the public interest. If you search YouTube, you'll find millions of views from talking heads who don't know what they're talking about, yet they are capitalizing on Hawaii’s judiciary. |
|
Access to justice was a core value for former Chief Justice Reckenwald, yet the obvious solution remains unimplemented. Whether you're elderly, a "lawyer fanboy" like me, or handicapped and unable to navigate limited seating, you deserve access. The cameras are already in the courtroom. The sound, lighting, and OCCC video conference feed are already setup in the court room. All the judiciary has to do is press "Go Live"on their own YouTube channel. |
|
|
2. The Revenue Grab: A Pound of Flesh |
|
While the judiciary leaves YouTube money on the table, they are coming for ours. As bail agents, we are under attack by government offices looking to generate revenue through forfeitures. This flies in the face of the statutes that explicitly say bail is not a revenue source. |
|
We’ve watched this evolution creep in over 20 years. First, they changed the bail receipt language to allow cash bail to pay for restitution and fines. Then, they professionalized collections by forwarding forfeitures to the Attorney General. Now, even if a judge sets aside a forfeiture, recent legislation allows the AG to appeal—granting them a second bite at the apple to exact a "pound of flesh." |
|
I don’t say this out of self-interest; I know the game better than anyone. I say this as a friend watching government agencies struggle to create value and cash flow. Money doesn’t solve all problems, but it solves quite a few. The opportunity cost lost because the judiciary refuses to revenue-share with YouTube is appalling. It’s like watching someone in need who is too proud to accept the easiest solution because of their own ego. |
3. The "OnlyFans" Strategy: Hiding in Plain Sight |
To know this newsletter is to know me, and I’ll admit: years ago, I had an Instagram influencer "doom scroll" phase. Thankfully, through many unfollows, my algorithm has shifted to food, Japan travel hacks, and a strangely satisfying obsession with chiropractic adjustment videos. |
|
But I recently saw a clip of a creator I was yet to unfollow—Sophie Rain—who logged into her OnlyFans account to show she’s grossed over $101 million since 2023. Here’s the kicker: she doesn’t get naked. She wears sports bras or workout gear and does TikTok dances. She’s cleared $80+ million (after the platform's 20% cut) just by using the power of suggestion and a camera. To see exactly what I mean, click the image below. It’ll take you to the video of Ms. Rain standing in a private jet, refreshing her live revenue dashboard for the world to see. |
|
Right now, the Hawaii Judiciary doesn’t have to lose it soul, to broadcast and make money. They don't have to "get naked" or do anything salacious. They just need to go mainstream, press “Go LIVE",” and let the public watch the drama. If a 20-something in a sports bra can gross $100 million in 3 years, the Judiciary could infuse the state coffers with millions just by "going live" during trials of public interest. |
|
As we saw in Ferguson, when court systems rely on excessive fees and 'policing for profit' to balance budgets, the resulting public outcry can be irreparable. Hawaii has the opportunity to avoid this trap by pivoting away from aggressive forfeiture litigation against bail agents, ensuring our judiciary remains a symbol of justice rather than a collection agency. |
Exclusive Preview |
|
Because I am an entrepreneur, I’m capitalizing on this case the best way I know how. Click above for a preview of my latest podcast with Attorney Myles Breiner and his co-counsel Andy Starn as we set the table with a primer on the Trial of the Year. Full podcast isn’t out yet, but here’s a snippet. |
|
What did you think of today's issue of JAIL MAIL |
|
