Peter C. Hsieh, a Senior Securities Enforcement Attorney with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Security Branch, was sanctioned last year by the Hawaii Supreme Court before he was hired recently to head up that division of the agency. (See the Public_Order_of_Discipline_Peter_C_Hsieh)
On July 28 of last year, the disciplinary board conducted a hearing and found as Attorney and Owner at the Law Office of Peter C. Hsieh, “he committed multiple violations of the Hawaii Rules of Professional Conduct.”
Specifically, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel said Hsieh took money his client trust account in six matters before he earned them; he took fees for nine matters when his clients did not have funds in the account; he did not reconcile his ledgers in 2006; and did not list his client trust balances which agreed with the reconciled client trust account bank balances for each quarter of 2006.
The Hawaii Supreme Court sanctioned him on October 27, 2011, with a public reprimand and ordered him to pay all fees.
Hsieh has had other legal troubles.
According to state records, Pacific Reporting Services sued him for $17,736.83 and that case was settled for an undisclosed amount on June 16, 2010.
An enforcement action filed by Lipsey & Associates on his law office on November 5, 2007 also was settled for an undisclosed sum.
On August 8, 2006, First Hawaiian Bank sued him for money owed, but that case was dismissed without prejudice.
After suing for divorce from his wife on November 16, 1998 – a case that continued until the year 2000 – he had a dispute over child support some years later in 2009.
Hsieh did not respond to an email today from Hawaii Reporter for comment, but Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Director Keali’i Lopez, who is Hsieh’s boss, said he was upfront about the reprimand against him during the hiring process at DCCA and “gave a detailed and reasonable explanation about the facts surrounding that case.”
“Given those details and Peter’s depth of experience, we felt the people of Hawaii would benefit from his addition to our team,” Lopez said.
Hsieh, who has served as a litigation attorney for 30 years, began working at the DCCA on February 13, 2012. His duties include overseeing a team of four attorneys and seven investigators on securities cases in a branch that is “heavily involved in litigation cases.”
Lopez added: “Peter has been with DCCA for a short time, but has demonstrated his willingness to serve the public and make the most of this opportunity.”
The DCCA has 13 Sections, with major services including registration and licensing; examination for financial health and soundness,Complaint processing and Consumer protection and education.
More on the web: https://www.odchawaii.com/News.html
Dear Governor Abercrombie, DCCA hired Peter Hsieh even though he has a very unethical past, he’s really great for the State of Hawaii and our tax dollars. What a joke, are you kidding me!
“Given those details and Peter’s depth of experience, we felt the people of Hawaii would benefit from his addition to our team,” Lopez said. LOPEZ ARE YOU NUTS! MY TAX DOLLARS ARE SPENT ON A CRUM AND YOU THINK HE WOULD BE GOOD FOR HAWAII. YOU SHOULD BE FIRED ALONG WITH HSIEH.
“Peter has been with DCCA for a short time, but has demonstrated his willingness to serve the public and make the most of this opportunity.” YES, APPARENTLY HE DID MAKE THE MOST OF HIS OPPURTUNITY, JUST ASK THE GUYS HE TOOK THE MONEY FROM. WHAT MAKES YOU THINK HE WON’T DO THE SAME AT DCCA. HE NEEDS TO GO!
nice dcca
Not the best hire for the State, placing a person with trust issues in a position of power. Check his history on hoohiki and the bureau of conveyances. State dollars are paying his salary, I wish my dollars would be spent more wisely.
How can he uphold the laws, when he can’t comply to rules himself.
Hawaii Reporter – You forgot this one!
2005 – State of Hawaii VS Peter Hsieh, Plead guilty to HARASSMENT of Jennifer BainBridge, he posted $1,000 bail. Peter Hsieh received complaint and discovery, waived reading and entered a guilty plea as charged!
Peter Hsieh was ordered to take DVI classes, parenting classes and firearms invoked. DVI classes are DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CLASSES.
What kind of person does that to a woman? I DON’T CARE IF ITS THE PAST, IT HAPPENED!!! Did DCCA check his background before hiring? Peter Hsieh is not a class act and not a high character person for someone who should be protecting the State. Our Legislature guys need to address this issue and relieve Peter Hsieh of his duties. What a scumbag.
Bradtanaka, Nice find on the HARASSMENT. You’re correct about this guys character. Did a little checking myself, Peter Hsieh has State Tax Liens and IRS Tax Liens, does that sound like a Securities Enforcement Officer? On the bright side the guy has unclaimed property of a $1.39.
But the kicker is his driving record. He was cited 4 times for speeding, no registration, no safety check, and EXCESSIVE SPEEDING!, not too bad if braddah took the punishment, he was a no show in court and a BENCH WARRANT was issued for $500 bond. Of course he lost the case and was found guilty.
you can search ecourt kokua judiciary, case number 1DTC-07-086174.
Braddah thinks he’s above the law and DCCA is providing an avenue for his unethical behavior. Look at his history its a GIANT PATTERN OF MISCONDUCT. Probably blames everyone but himself kind of guy.
Dont know the guy but records speak for itself, I don’t want that guy looking at confidential financial records.
This is infuriating. I’m really fed up with cronyism and overall corruption in the government. It’s bad enough that most of our state agencies are run so ineptly.
-What actions can we take as citizens to remove Peter Hsieh from this office? I am passionate and furious about this.
-Looking at the security website located here, I see that Tung Chan is their commissioner. Is she directly responsible for the hiring of Peter Hsieh? I feel strongly that she needs to step down. What steps can I take to take action against Lopez, Chan and Hsieh?
Next Steps:
1) I’ve posted this article to every social networking and action group on the internet. I feel strongly that unless people are aware, no action will happen.
2) I’ve posted the DCCA’s contact information and the names of those responsible for hiring this criminal to those sites as well
3) A letter to the Gov as well as media outlets around the state will be sent TODAY.
I know I’m probably wasting my breath. Lopez, Chan and Hsieh all probably have strong ties to the governor and are untouchable. I believe I need to write to the Governor’s opposition as well. Once the Governor’s seat changes, I have a strong feeling we’ll also see the Consumer Affairs leadership ousted.
The bottom line is that our tax paying dollars are being spent on a bunch of criminals. SHAME ON YOU Lopez and Chan.
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