Judge considers ‘Wonder Blunder’ suspect’s change of venue motion

A judge is expected to consider a North Carolina man’s claim that he can’t get a fair trial in Hawaii because of negative publicity over a bungled Stevie Wonder concert.

Authorities say Hubbard, a club and concert promoter from Waxhaw, N.C., claimed he had connections to secure Wonder for a University of Hawaii fundraiser. The school paid a $200,000 deposit, began selling tickets and later learned neither Wonder nor his representatives authorized the concert.

Thousands of tickets had to be refunded, leading to embarrassment for the school over what’s been dubbed the “Wonder Blunder.”

Today’s hearing will be held in Honolulu.

The motion also argues that many witnesses are on the East Coast and Spain, so it would be more convenient to hold the trial in Florida or North Carolina.