Jason Shitanishi, a 60-year-old former official with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and resident of Honolulu, Hawaii, pleaded guilty in federal court on April 4, 2026, to receiving an illegal gratuity as a public official.
The announcement of the guilty plea was made by United States Attorney Ken Sorenson.
The legal proceedings took place in the Hawaii District Court. Court records indicate that the case, USA v. Shitanishi (1:26-cr-00032), was officially filed on March 25, 2026.
Senior Judge Helen Gillmor presided over the court actions, which included Shitanishi’s initial appearance, the waiver of indictment, and his arraignment, culminating in the plea of guilty.
Shitanishi is represented by attorney Rosalyn Gamban Payen. The United States is represented in the case by Gregg Paris Yates of the Office of the United States Attorney in Honolulu.