Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Friday, December 13, 2024 75° Today's Paper


Top News

Abigail Kawananakoa releases video interview to share her side of estate fight

1/3
Swipe or click to see more
Video courtesy CommPac
Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa released a video interview today that was filmed on Jan. 15, 2019 at her home in Hawaii.
2/3
Swipe or click to see more

SCREEN GRAB FROM COURTESY VIDEO

Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa speaks during a Jan. 15 interview at Kawananakoa’s home in Honolulu.

3/3
Swipe or click to see more

SCREEN GRAB FROM COURTESY VIDEO

Campbell Estate heiress Abigail Kawananakoa speaks with TV personality Tannya Joaquin during a Jan. 15 interview at Kawananakoa’s home in Honolulu.

Abigail Kawananakoa says she is “very fine” and capable of conducting her own business in a video released today by her attorneys.

During an 8-minute, edited interview, the 92-year-old Campbell Estate heiress also says she has an obligation to the Hawaiian people but that her hands are tied.

Kawananakoa and her wife, Veronica Gail Worth, are fighting in court to regain control of the heiress’ $215 million estate after a Probate Court judge ruled that Kawananakoa lacks mental capacity.

In November, Kawananakoa changed her trust to ensure that her wife receives $40 million and all her personal property, but the amendment must still win the approval of Judge Robert Browning.

Kawananakoa’s communications representative, Kitty Yanone of CommPac, said the heiress felt strongly about communicating to the people in her own words.

Yanone said the interview with television personality Tannya Joaquin was “unvarnished and unrehearsed.”

But Kawananakoa’s former attorney James Wright, who currently controls the trust as successor trustee, said he was told that the heiress was coached for the interview. He called the production “exploitive and shallow.”

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.