DPO

A daredevil jewel thief the press has named “The Maui Creeper” is sneaking across roofs, swinging into penthouses, stealing the treasures of Maui’s wealthy tourists and residents living in the spectacular hotels and well-protected villas on the island. The island is shocked when a man and woman on a nearby beach are shot and killed near the site of the latest theft. In the tumultuous aftermath of that stunning crime, a native Hawaiian, Jimmie Kamahai, a busboy at a posh hotel, is arrested when a diamond necklace and other jewels from the most recent heist are found in his locker at work. To defend him, a down-on-her-luck lawyer, Theresa Kuokoa, is somehow appointed Kamahai’s lawyer, for reasons even she has difficulty putting together.
    In defending Jimmie, Theresa is assisted by her friends on the island — Bryan McCormick, a jaded detective retired after years on the New York City police force; Puffy Makala, a free-spirited bail bondsman who runs a herbology shop on the side; Lisa Yamato, the entertainment director at one of Maui’s finest hotels and Theresa’s best friend; John Thornhill, a mysterious stranger who claims to be with the British secret service; and Theresa’s father Tommy, whom everyone calls “Buddha” and who cannot hold down a job for any stretch longer than a Maui sunset.  
    Jimmie Kamahai’s trial brings Theresa and her team into conflict with the powerful interests behind the billion dollar tourist industry of Maui, interests that are pushing hard for a conviction of Kamahai to quell the rising concerns that threaten the lucrative and luxurious Maui lifestyle. Fighting those interests and vindicating Jimmie require every ounce of intelligence and energy that Theresa can muster.