Hilo Judge Extends TRO Against Deputy Prosecutor
Bew Albright’s neighbors say he has been harassing them for months over property lines and other issues.
HILO, Hawaii — A district court judge in Hilo on Wednesday extended a temporary restraining order against a deputy prosecutor and his wife who are accused of harassing their next-door neighbors. She also ordered mediation.
The case involves longtime deputy prosecutor Randall Winston “Bew” Albright and his massage therapist wife, Nicole “Isis” Albright, who live in Paukaa next door to Micah and Jessica Gauthier.
The Gauthiers sought and received a temporary restraining order against the Albrights on Aug. 3 after what they said was months of alleged harassment and intimidation over issues including the property line, a shed, and Micah Gauthier’s outdoor smoking, among other things.
The Gauthiers say Albright has said on numerous occasions that he “upholds the law and enforces the law,” a reference to his high-profile legal position with the county.
Earlier this month, the Albrights formally denied the allegations and asked the court to dismiss the case with prejudice and to award them attorney’s fees.
Judge M. Kanani Laubach extended the temporary restraining order against the Albrights until Oct. 20. She also ordered the parties to attend mediation, and scheduled another hearing for Sept. 28.
Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen and first prosecuting attorney Stephen Frye attended Wednesday’s hearing. In a hallway interview afterward, Waltjen said he and Frye wanted to attend to learn more.
“We take the allegations seriously,” Waltjen said.
He said he’s consulting with the , a body formed by the Hawaii Supreme Court to investigate complaints against lawyers. He’s also consulting with the Office of the Corporation Counsel and the Department of Human Resources.
Albright has had disputes with neighbors in Ainaloa dating back to at least 2011, according to court documents and interviews with residents past and present on Hanale Drive.
Albright’s wife owns the Hanale Drive property in Ainaloa and the deputy prosecutor is listed as owner of the Paukaa home, according to the county tax office.
Last year, a process server said Albright cursed at her when she attempted to serve him with a temporary restraining order. He accused her of trespassing and called the police.
A police report by patrol officer Keenanlee Ouranitsas said the deputy prosecutor was advised that the process server was within her rights to approach and serve the documents. Further, “Albright was advised that a trespass case would not be generated as he has no grounds,” the July 18, 2021 report concludes.
