Disbarred attorney who served time in federal prison lands seat on prestigious state board

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A disbarred attorney who spent time in federal prison has been confirmed to a prestigious state board.

Stacy Moniz is representing the union point of view on the state Labor Board.

After working several years as advocacy director for the Hawaii Government Employees Association, Moniz was appointed by the unions to the Hawaii Labor Relations Board.

Despite his criminal past, he was confirmed by state senators — who unanimously agreed that his was not a story about corruption but redemption.

“Everyone deserves a second chance,” Moniz said. “And that is what I received and consider myself fortunate.”

Moniz’ criminal history was no secret.

It made headlines in 1999, when he was convicted of fraud and tax evasion and sentenced to 27 months in federal prison. He later resigned his law license ahead of disbarment.

But at his confirmation hearing in March, he embraced the scandal for creating his character.

“I really mean it when I say that I succeeded because of it. Not despite it. Because that episode is part of what drove me to succeed,” he said.

“I want this to stand for something that other people who have faced obstacles and face challenges, you don’t have to give up. You gotta pick yourself up.”

Labor board members earn about $145,000 a year to decide disputes between workers and their bosses or unions. Only one person — who had lost a dispute with HGEA that Moniz argued — said his conviction and lack of license should disqualify him.

His numerous supporters included Mayors Richard Bissen Derek Kawakami of Kauai and YMCA CEO Michael Broderick, who spent many hours as arbitrator on a case Moniz argued.

“Mr. Moniz was held accountable and punished for his wrongs,” said Broderick, a former judge. “To punish him again, after all these years and after he changed would be fundamentally unfair.”

Another supporter was longtime Sheriff Deputy Tommy Cayetano, who Moniz helped win reinstatement and back pay after what they called an improper termination.

“He admitted here to you about his past,” Cayetano told the Senate Labor Committee. “And I know about his past firsthand along with I know firsthand what his capabilities are.”

Several senators were moved by Moniz willingness to face his past publicly.

“If there’s a way that you can have your story be a source of inspiration for others, that would really be good,” said state Sen. Les Ihara.

Labor Committee Chair Sen. Henry Aquino recommended the Senate confirm Moniz.

“I think you are very much forthright open, honest and I think what you have shared today is deserving,” he said.

On April 18, 24 years after leaving prison, Moniz was confirmed by the full Senate without a single vote against him. He did not respond to HNN’ss request for an interview Wednesday. He has been hearing labor board cases since he was appointed in July. His term expires in 2029.